Bin workers and street cleaners in North Norfolk and Breckland back strike action
Its in a dispute over a below-inflation pay offer
Bin workers and street cleaners across two parts of Norfolk are to go on strike in a dispute over pay.
Around 100 UNISON members in North Norfolk and Breckland voted overwhelmingly to take action against employer Serco, a contrators which runs the bin service for both councils.
The ballot had an 84% turnout, with 99% backing strike action.
The outsourcing firm says its now going to revise its offer in an attempt to avoid walkouts, which could see bins in part of the county left uncollected.
UNISON Eastern regional organiser Cameron Matthews said: “Serco workers in Breckland and North Norfolk have endured year after year in which the value of their wages has gone down."
"But despite the soaring cost of living, the firm has refused to raise their pay enough to live on.
“Unfortunately, these workers have been left with no choice but to vote for strikes.
"They don’t want to cause disruption to Norfolk residents but they’ve run out of options.
“Despite Serco tweaking its offer, pay will still leave workers struggling to make ends meet. If they decide it’s not enough for them to get by, we will have to start planning industrial action.”