Solihull refuse workers announce strike action dates - The Solihull Observer

Solihull refuse workers announce strike action dates

Solihull Editorial 15th Mar, 2022   0

SOLIHULL refuse workers have announced when they will stage strike action over a pay dispute.

Almost 100 workers will walk out for five days from March 28.

GMB Union bosses said 84 per cent of the refuse collectors who took part in the ballot voted for a walk out.

The union said if the action goes ahead, refuse and recycling services for Solihull Council – including Bickenhill waste tip and recycling centre, local cemeteries, street cleansing, parks and more than 86,000 households will be affected.




Dave Warwick, GMB Organiser, said: “Time is running out; Amey has just two weeks to get round the table with GMB Union and stop massive disruption for the people of Solihull.

“A pay rise that means no more than the Real Living Wage for some, and nothing at all for others, is an insult.


“These workers were on duty right through the pandemic and now they want to be paid at least the industry average.

“Bosses need to negotiate with GMB in good faith and avoid rubbish collecting in the streets of Solihull.”

Amey Services Limited who employ the workers, have offered a pay rise which GMB say will increase some workers to the Real Living Wage, with others seeing no increase at all.

An Amey spokesperson, commented, “Amey is extremely disappointed that following the ballot outcome, the GMB have informed us of their intention to carry out Industrial Strike Action from Monday, March 28, until Friday, April 1.

“We have offered the GMB a pay increase of 4.21 per cent, in line with the Real Living Wage increase, from April 1.

“This offer came on top of a pay increase of between six per cent and 12 per cent for drivers in Solihull in October, and in the last 12 months we have enhanced employee benefits, increased paid leave and life insurance.

“We remain committed to positive industrial relations with GMB and hope that an agreement can still be met to avoid industrial strike action later this month.

“We are confident with a total workforce of over 280 people, that despite the proposed action we will be able to deliver our services without significant disruption to our client Solihull Council and its residents.

“Throughout all of these discussions we continue to ensure that our employees are supported and kept informed.”

 

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