Wiltshire bin strike over as workers accept new pay offer
Staff should return to work tomorrow (Friday 18th March)
Last updated 17th Mar 2022
The bin strikes in Wiltshire have come to an end as members of the GMB Union accepted a new deal from Hills Municipal Collections.
Refuse workers from the company contracted by Wiltshire Council have been walking out for almost two weeks due to a row over pay.
They had agreed to strike until April 2nd, but they have now accepted a new pay offer.
It means workers should return to their duties tomorrow and the industrial action ends.
Staff voted almost unanimously to accept the offer, which amounts to a 7% pay rise plus a bonus scheme to be offered to more staff and further uplifts for those on the lowest pay rates.
Nicky Nixon, GMB Organiser said:
“GMB is extremely proud of our members who have stood firm during almost two weeks of strike action.
“We were pleased to be able to negotiate an improved offer which has been almost unanimously accepted by the members.
“We will now be carefully observing what happens next to ensure the employer treats those workers who have taken lawful industrial action with respect.
“There must be no retaliation and members return to work tomorrow.”
It means that recycling collections will start again from Monday (21st March).
Wiltshire Council say that due to the recent disruption there may still be slight delays to the collection of recyclable materials.
If your waste isn't collected on the scheduled day you should leave it out and it will be picked up as soon as they can.
Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Waste, said:
“We are extremely pleased that this industrial action has now come to an end, and I’m sure residents across the county will echo that sentiment. Our focus now is to get all waste collection services back on track and I’m confident that will happen very quickly. However, there still may be some delays to collections, and any bin not emptied will be done so as soon as possible.
“Before the industrial action took place our new collection rounds were running so smoothly, so we’re looking forward to picking up where we left off and continuing to provide great services for our residents.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during the industrial action.”