Changes to Sandwell bin collections considered
Rubbish bins will be collected over four days instead of five as part of a shake up of workers' hours being considered by officials in Sandwell.
Serco, which runs bins, green waste and recycling collections in the borough on behalf of Sandwell Council, has written to staff to outline proposals for changing the working week.
Under the proposals in the letter issued to staff, employees would cease to work on Mondays as part of a drive to create a 'better work life balance'.
Staff would continue to work a 37 hour week, under the plans, but this would be over four days - Tuesday to Friday.
In a letter to staff, John Mason, who is Serco's general contract manager, said there would have to be a 'total re-route and more efficient working' in the department.
The union Unite are in discussions over the changes.
Sandwell Councillor Maria Crumpton, who is in charge of highways for the authority, confirmed talks had been held with staff.
But she reiterated that no final decision had been taken over staff working conditions or changes to deliveries at this stage .
One worker, who did not wish to be named, said: "We have been speaking to the union and they have their concerns.
"I'm concerned for my job and what is going to happen in the future if we go to four days a week now.
"We just see it as a cost cutting exercise."
In the letter to staff, Mr Mason said: "I have today met with unions to discuss modernisation and outlined plans going forward on your services.
"We have the opportunity to move towards a better work/life balance by adopting a four day (37 hour) working week of Tuesday to Friday.
"This will mean with every Monday will be added to your weekend.
"This is subject to final agreement with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, all relevant trade unions who we are currently in discussions with."
Sandwell Councillor Maria Crompton, who oversees bin collections in the borough, said: "We have been in discussions with the workforce about making possible changes to their working arrangements.
"If we do agree any changes to the working arrangements for staff in the future, they will not affect the quality or the regularity of the services we offer to the public."
A Serco spokeswoman confirmed the letter had been issued and discussions held but refused to comment further at this stage.