Bin workers in Sandwell striking for third week
Employer Serco says the demands are "unrealistic, unaffordable and unachievable."
Members of the GMB Union are walking out for their third week in a dispute with employer Serco over pay.
Strike action was originally planned from Monday 5th to Thursday 15th June, but workers are now striking for a third week after an agreement was not reached.
The GMB Union said Serco Sandwell – the outsourced refuse provider – has refused to meet the rate of inflation so far in pay offers.
But Serco says the demands are "unrealistic, unaffordable and unachievable." The firm insisted the 7.5 per cent increase it had put on the table was "fair and reasonable."
The industrial action covers those working on street cleansing, waste site (tip), waste collections (drivers and loaders on the bins), administration and the transfer station.
Justine Jones, GMB Organiser, said: “Serco’s greed has caused this strike, it’s that simple.
“As we enter strike week three, residents and businesses are seeing Serco allow waste to pile high because they can’t get their house in order on pay.
“Taking strike action is always a last resort, but all our members are asking for is a pay packet that lets them raise a family and pay the bills.
“In reality Serco are proposing a real terms pay cut in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, all whilst posting eye watering profits as a company. It’s unrealistic to expect working people to accept that.
“The support from local Sandwell residents during this strike has been overwhelming. They know their local refuse workers aren’t the ones to blame for this disruption.
“It’s time for Serco to get real on pay and get around the table for negotiations.”
A spokesperson for Sandwell Council, said: “The services Serco provides are extremely important for our residents. As a council, we are working hard to ensure that any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum and we urge Serco to continue to work with its employees and the trade unions to find a resolution to the dispute.
“We hope talks can continue and that a resolution can be found as soon as possible. We will ensure residents are kept up-to-date on the proposed strike schedule and on changes or delays to waste and recycling services via the council website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our email updates service.”