GMB refuse workers vote overwhelmingly for strike action in consultative ballot
"GMB Members remain ready to talk but to be clear they remain ready for action if ignored" says GMB Southern
Refuse workers at Veolia’s Padworth Depot have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action in a consultative ballot over a bid to cut their pay.
Staff are furious after Veolia UK ignored their opposition and announced a reduction the pay for ‘catch up Saturdays’
The company then threatened to dismiss workers and re-engage them on the new terms and conditions.
GMB will now move to a full strike ballot.
If industrial actions takes place, residents of Newbury, Thatcham and others will see rubbish piling up around bins and collection points until Veolia get back around the table, stop enforced implementation and pay deductions and discuss and agree alternatives.
Asia Allison, GMB Organiser, said: “GMB members hard work constantly contributes to the company's profitability’ but yet again Veolia bonuses-loving bosses feel that slashing low paid staff wages and leaving some hundreds of pounds worse off is the right way to go.
“It’s disgraceful behaviour and with Veolia choosing to threaten any staff with dismissal if they refuse just about sums up the private sector’s profiteering approach.
“GMB and its members of course apologies to the public and Veolia’s clients for the undoubted disruption and appearance to the streets should the action go ahead.
“Hopefully people will understand that it’s a hard job many wouldn’t want to do and staff just want fair pay for working bank holidays when collecting the public’s additional rubbish.
“GMB Members remain ready to talk but to be clear they remain ready for action if ignored.”
Media enquiries: GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at press.office@gmb.org.uk
