GMB issues Christmas strike dates for Gosport waste workers

We remain ready to meet at any time to negotiate a deal, we just need Urbaser to call us, says GMB 

GMB, the union for refuse and recycling, has issued strike notice to Gosport Borough Council’s waste contractor Urbaser Ltd after union members voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action over pay. 

The action is due to start on Boxing Day and continue for an initial 12 days through the Christmas and New Year period. 

The members voted 92 per cent in favour of taking strike action off a turnout of almost 90 per cent, with members willing to strike to secure a pay rise to £15 per hour of HGV drivers and £12 per hour for all other operatives. 

The union is warning residents that their normal kerbside collections, as well as any additional Christmas and New Year waste collections, will be halted unless the company returns to the negotiating table. 

Charlotte Gardner, GMB Region Organiser said:

“As it stands, GMB members will commence strike action from Boxing Day, a day they would normally be working as we all spend time with our families, and a day when Urbaser choose to only pay their workers a flat, basic rate. 

“This is a good example of how little the employer values their staff, instead just lying to them and trying to pressure them into not taking strike action. 

“These workers have never taken action before, instead continuing to carry out the dirty and dangerous work in all weathers, but they are now in a position where they need to take a stand just to keep their heads above water. 

“Whilst GMB are considering issuing further strike dates to Urbaser, we remain ready to meet at any time to negotiate a deal which may avoid action taking place at all - we just need Urbaser management, maybe with some assistance from Gosport Borough Council, to pick up the phone and call us.”