Refuse collectors strike dates announced

Binmen employed by council contactor Urbaser will strike from Wednesday 29th November in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Urbaser staff are being paid minimum wage and must rely on statutory sick pay of £109 a week when ill, according to the GMB union.

Michael Dooley, local GMB officer said: "Our members who voted, are 90 per cent in favour of strike action.

"This could mean household rubbish piling up and street waste left upswept by our members from the end of the month right through to January or longer. 

"We have taken this course because we do not think it is reasonable for workers who graft in all weathers, in filth and grim to go without company sick pay if they fall ill, and we have members working for Urbaser on minimum wage who deserve better. 

"We cannot see an alternative to Urbasers intransigent stance. Their position is not a penny of company sick pay will be paid, which is outrageous in our country in this day and age."

A spokesperson for Urbaser said: "We have been officially notified by the GMB Union of an impending strike at our Letchworth and Buntingford depots due to a pay dispute. The dates for the proposed strike action have been confirmed from November 29 until December 24.

"We wish to clarify that the demands put forward by the Union greatly exceed our current proposal, which is both comparable with pay rates within the local authority and is consistent with the National Joint Council (NJC) settlement.

"Given the NJC settlement was agreed upon by GMB members in a ballot that concluded in October, we view the demands as being wholly unjustified.

"While we are not able to meet the unrealistic aspirations of the Trade Union, we do hope to reengage in constructive discussions and hope they will suspend the action whilst talks are progressing.

"In the meantime, we would like to reassure residents that we are working closely with the local authorities and taking proactive measures to minimise any disruption to front line services in the event of a strike.

Urbaser have also been hit by separate disputes in Welwyn & Hatfield, Dartford, Gosport and Selby in Yorkshire.