PARKS and cemetery workers across Solihull are taking part in a week-long strike.
IDVerde employees, who are contracted to carry out maintenance work by Solihull Council, have down tools after pay talks failed to overcome the threat of a real-terms pay cut on staff.
GMB Union said: “The strike saw GMB Union members across the whole of the Solihull contract on strike with picket lines at the main depot in Moat Lane and three cemetaries.
“As late as Friday, we had offered to sit down with the employer to try and reach a negotiated settlement, but ID Verde have still not met with us.
“We’ve seen new members join GMB over the weekend and today, so it’s clear that there is a strength of feeling and anger from the workforce.”
The Union added it remains open to meeting with management, but the strike will continue until Friday (August 4) if there is no improved offer.
A spokesperson for ID Verde said: “We are disappointed by the action proposed by some of our colleagues at our Solihull site, as we remain open to constructive discussions and continue to look for a workable solution.
“In the meantime, we would like to put minds at rest that contingency planning and colleagues not taking part in the industrial action will ensure parks, cemeteries and all public areas maintained by idverde will remain open and available to all.”
