Bin strike in West Berkshire avoided as refuse workers secure 9.2 per cent pay increase
Our members twice turned down the two previous offers and therefore by sticking together they were able to secure a rise, says GMB
GMB, the union for refuse workers, has today confirmed West Berkshire refuse workers have agreed to accept an improved pay offer.
Members had rejected two previous pay offers and had informed the company that they intended to move to an industrial action ballot unless an improvement was forthcoming.
Following a ballot of a third offer where most of the workers have been offered a 9.2 per cent pay increase, GMB members have decided to accept the deal which means no employee is paid less than £11 per hour.
David McMullen, GMB Organising Assistant said:
“The collective strength and resolve of refuse workers at Veolia, West Berkshire shows how by sticking together they were able to secure a pay settlement that better met their expectations.
“We were clear to Veolia from the off that we couldn’t continue with pay offers that would not allow our members to pay their soaring energy bills and other costs that was making it hard to live.
“Our members twice turned down the two previous offers and therefore by sticking together they were able to secure a rise that rewards them for working through the pandemic where they kept the refuse of West Berkshire collected.
“GMB members working in refuse across the country, are now finally seeing better pay settlements because of their unity and for being a union member.
“We know from Adur & Worthing, Eastbourne, Hastings, Wealden and Wiltshire that you can fight years of poor and disrespectful pay offers.
“Our message to anyone working in refuse is you need to join the GMB today if you want a proper wage for an extremely demanding job.”
