'Put bins out as normal' in Wiltshire, despite strike getting underway
Wiltshire Council say they're working to minimise disruption
Last updated 7th Mar 2022
Wiltshire residents are urged to put their bins out for collection as normal from this morning (Monday 7th March).
Members of the GMB Union working for Hills Waste, who are contracted to carry out collections on behalf of Wiltshire Council, are going on strike from today for two weeks.
It's in a row over pay, and follows a vote to reject an improved deal from their employers.
Wiltshire Council say they're working to keep disruption for 220,000 residents to a minimum, and ask us to put our bins out by 7.00am on our normal collection day anyway.
They've said that if bins are emptied due to the industrial action, there'll be an attempt to collect it the following day where possible.
Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Waste, said:
“Our new waste collection rounds have gone really smoothly so far and I’d like to thank residents for their support during this transition.
“We will do everything we can to limit the disruption caused by the industrial action. We have contingency plans in place in case of a situation like this, which we hope will help to keep disruption for residents to a minimum.
“The industrial action is out of our direct control and is a matter for the GMB and Hills Municipal Collections. However, I know that Wiltshire residents will share my bitter disappointment that we face an elevated risk of disruption to services due to this revised pay offer being rejected by the GMB.
“We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this time.”