GLASGOW City Council hit back at claims it was “anti-trade union” after it emerged it was considering bringing in private contractors to help tackle the waste build up left behind as a result of the strike.

Both GMB union and Labour councillors said they were “furious” at the potential involvement of private firms and insisted it was a waste of tax payer cash.

The groups urged the local authority not to spend money retaining additional help to tackle the rubbish strike - urging it to agree with the union’s terms instead.

However, GCC insisted while the need for private contractors is “under review”, it hasn’t been necessary thus far following the conclusion of the industrial action last week.

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A council spokesperson said: “No contractors have been employed at this stage to support the recovery from the recent strike action.

“The only reason we would employ contractors is to deal with any excess waste that has accumulated out with bins and that waste is causing concerns about a risk to public health.

“Collecting excess waste is a standard part of our cleansing operation, but GMB leadership wished to block the removal of this waste following the return to work last week.”

The spokesperson added: “However, excess waste is now being lifted across the city and while some places are still experiencing disruption caused by the strike, good progress is being made.

“In 2009 contractors were deployed following a period of industrial unrest and potentially bringing in contractors again would be a proportionate measure to protect public health and minimise the disruption experienced by Glasgow residents.

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“We will keep all aspects of the potential use of contractors under constant review.”