Glasgow bin lorry drivers may be refusing to use a new piece of monitoring equipment as they struggle with illiteracy, a union leader has claimed.
Concerns have been raised over the level of training provided for drivers on a new in-cab system after its roll-out sparked anger among staff.
Around 30 staff walked out on Monday after two workers were sent home for refusing to use the new devices, which the Union argue should come with extra pay and additional training.
And it has now been suggested that some drivers may be struggling to learn as a result of illiteracy.
The alloy tablets have been designed to allow staff to record quickly a range of service issues, such as missed bin collections or the presence of rats.
Glasgow City Council said that up to three face-to-face sessions were provided for staff that focused on safe use in the cab, demonstration of processes and hands-on training.
Videos and printed materials were also produced, while additional training has also been offered.
But GMB trade union convenor, Chris Mitchell, has raised concerns that older members of the union who struggle with reading and writing may be too embarrassed to ask for extra training to use the new “in-cab” devices that allow information to be recorded electronically. 
Mr Mitchell also pointed out that some workers are not “tech savvy” and struggle with these new items of technology which are now part of their everyday routine. 
He said: “We’ve got an older generation of drivers that struggle with IT. We are moving into a new world of technology and it’s difficult for some of them.
“Some may have learning difficulties that they don’t want to discuss – they can drive a vehicle all day, but are not able to read or write.
“A lot of our workers are a bit more sceptical about these devices, having to download apps and input information so they struggle as a result. 
“The council has given an extra bit of training, but you know what it is like when you are sitting in a classroom, someone might not want to discuss their difficulties in front of other people.
“It is embarrassing for some of them and that is the problem that we have got. I understand why they want to introduce this technology but it doesn’t empty bins or sweep streets. 
“A lot of workers will take to the new equipment like a duck to water but others can’t and the council has got to be understanding of that.”
The new in-cab devices have been phased in over the past six months or so and operate with on-screen buttons that when pushed shows a drop down box with options to select.
A council spokesman said: “Additional training is offered to any staff member who requires further support to familiarise themselves with the devices.”