SHEFFIELD council workers are being balloted for industrial action after privateers sacked a union member for asking a question about working conditions on local radio.

GMB member Martin Lyons lost his job at Veolia-run Green Co on Thursday after the company claimed he’d brought it into disrepute by asking council leader Julie Dore about a long-running dispute on the contract before Christmas.

Strikes have been threatened and a work-to-rule is still ongoing since the dispute over safety breaches began in November 2014.

GMB Sheffield organiser Peter Davies said union reps had already been sacked for challenging bosses.

He said bosses had even claimed that it was Mr Lyons who was responsible for safety breaches on site.

“It is clear to me who is responsible for damaging the company and it’s the set of bullies now running the operation,” Mr Davies said.

GMB general secretary-elect Tim Roache said: “A fresh ballot will [now be held] today for strike action and we will defend our members to the hilt and continue in our fight with this company until we get justice, a safe working environment and our sacked members back to work.”