Wiltshire bin collectors to be balloted for strike action
It's in a row over pay
We could see major disruption to our bin collections in Wiltshire, as members of the GMB union are being balloted for strike action from today (Friday 21st January).
The union is upset at the pay offer that's been put forward by Hills Waste Solutions.
Members say a 2% pay rise amounts to a real-terms pay cut, due to the rising cost of living.
They also say Hills has been unwilling to negotiate a new pay deal.
64 union members are being balloted at three sites run by Hills, including one in Salisbury, along with others in Trowbridge and Calne.
Hills are contracted by Wiltshire Council to look after bin collections for around 250,000 households, as well as running recycling centres across the county.
Nicola Nixon, GMB Regional Organiser said:
“The last thing Wiltshire’s refuse collectors want to do is take industrial action – but Hills have left them with no choice.
“They've refused to negotiate meaningfully and with inflation massively outstripping Hills’ offer, those least able to cope with another in-work poverty pay rise have had enough.
“Strikes are always the last resort. But our members were being commended and classed as key workers last year at the height of the pandemic - now they find that their employer doesn’t properly value them or the service they provide.
“The ball is in the company’s court – they can still negotiate with us and our reps and avoid any industrial action before it has even begun."
The strike ballot is being held until Friday February 4th, with a result being announced shortly afterwards.
Wiltshire Council has given their response to the prospect of strike action.
Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Waste, said:
“This is a matter for our waste contractor, Hills Municipal Collections, and the union, but if there was industrial action, it may affect some of the waste collection services we provide.
“We are hopeful that the two parties can resolve this matter without the need for strike action, but if not, we are working closely with Hills to ensure that any potential disruption would be kept to a minimum.
“We’ll continue to monitor this situation and may have to put in place contingency plans to ensure that waste collection services are maintained for the people of Wiltshire.”