GMB workers forced to work through a six-month bedbug infestation at a Falkirk retirement complex have taken to the picket line to demand recognition and compensation.
Flats and communal areas at Thornhill Court, operated by Bield Housing, were overrun by the pests — whose bites cause rashes and allergic reactions — at the end of 2023, leading to external support workers and even the site’s management refusing to enter the premises.
The full burden of lifeline support to residents in conditions “literally jumping” with bugs then fell to local workers, but GMB Scotland senior organiser Keir Greenaway said Bield have shown “no urgency or serious interest in engaging with staff” on compensation for their efforts.
He added: “Staff were abandoned during this infestation when they were left to cope with this stressful and distressing infestation and their justified concerns are being ignored now.
“It is unacceptable and the company’s intransigence has led to industrial action and increasing anger and frustration among our members that could have been avoided.”
Backing the striking workers, Labour MP for Falkirk Euan Stainbank said: “These workers demonstrated exceptional professionalism and compassion, continuing to support vulnerable tenants under extremely challenging conditions.
“It is disappointing that their efforts have not been adequately recognised and I fully support the calls for fair compensation to recognise the circumstances they and the residents had to endure — and for recognition of their union.
“I urge Bield to act with the urgency and seriousness this matter demands.
“The wellbeing of both staff and residents must be prioritised, and I stand firmly with the staff and union seeking a just and constructive resolution.”
Tracey Howatt, Chief Operating Officer at Bield said: “We appreciate the impact the infestation had on tenants and staff who worked to support them throughout.
“From the outset, we acted quickly, working with external specialists and the local authority to enable us to resolve the situation safely. The staff based at Thornhill Court were part of a wider team leading work to manage the situation and ensuring support for our tenants.
“During this time, discussions with staff on challenges they faced led to additional payments being mutually agreed, these were then applied over the full period. The staff were also offered expenses in respect of any other costs incurred.
“We were surprised by the matter now being raised a year later but have fully committed to working through the ACAS conciliation process with GMB. We tried several times to get GMB to share information with us so that we could work together to address any outstanding matters and so that any claim for compensation was properly and fairly considered. These requests have been unsuccessful and we are disappointed by the narrative being presented by GMB.
“While we respect the right to take industrial action, it is regrettable that some staff have chosen this. We will continue to offer staff, and their representatives, the opportunity to discuss any matters that are outstanding from March 2024, or any current workplace concerns they may have.
“Our priority is, and will continue to be, the wellbeing of tenants and our staff”
