Solihull bin collectors vote for strike action in pay dispute - The Solihull Observer

Solihull bin collectors vote for strike action in pay dispute

Solihull Editorial 7th Mar, 2022   0

A BIN STRIKE is set to go ahead in Solihull after union members voted for industrial action.

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: “The last thing refuse collectors in Solihull wanted was to go on strike.




“But Amey has backed them into a corner by refusing to negotiate – and they are angry.

“These refuse collectors know what they are worth; they’ve worked right through the pandemic and now they want to be paid at least the industry average.


“But it’s not too late for Amey to avoid dirty streets in Solihull – just make our members a proper pay offer.”

GMB will now meet with members to discuss strike dates.

A statement from Amey said: “Amey is extremely disappointed by the ballot outcome, especially as just 39 people voted in favour of industrial action.

“We put a high value on the work our people do, and we are especially proud of the commitment they showed through the Covid pandemic.

“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 for drivers last year, and in the last 12 months we have enhanced employee benefits, increased paid leave and life insurance.

“Amey will continue to support our employees and work with the GMB to try to avoid Industrial Action and to minimise disruption to our client Solihull Council and its residents.”

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