STREET sweepers in Waltham Forest are facing 'bullying and intimidation', according to protesters.

Staff, union members and activists gathered outside the town hall to demand an end to the council contract with private company Kier.

An official, believed to be a senior Kier manager, was spotted making notes at the demonstration on Thursday (July 23).

Protestors said names of staff members were being taken with a view to disciplinary action.

Kier have so far not confirmed or denied the allegation.

Claims have also been made that workers have been unfairly dismissed, although Kier has refused to comment on individual staff.

One union member said: “Some of my colleagues have been dismissed without any explanation.

“We're suffering because of Kier's management.”

Claims were also made that bullying was racially motivated and that union activity was being "stepped on".

The union member added: “I'm expecting repercussions from this – no doubt the management will be calling me.

“There could be disciplinary action.”

Other workers, none of whom revealed their names, repeated claims of late payment and shortfalls in wages - always denied by Kier - and said they had been told they face losing their jobs if they speak up.

Members of the Socialist party and other activists also joined the rally.

Sarah Sachs-Eldridge, Walthamstow party secretary, said: “It's a climate of intimidation. They're trying to make workers pay for the economic crisis.”

Kier took over the street services contract from the council's in-house provider in June 2008 and has been beset by complaints ever since.

Irate residents have said their streets are either swept inadequately or not at all and staff have said they simply do not have time to do the job.

Street sweepers claim their workload tripled from 20 streets each per day to 70 after agency staff were late go – a claim Kier has never confirmed or denied.

A spokeswoman for Kier has said no one from the company will be making a comment.