Coventry HGV refuse drivers vote to renew strike action
The strike ballot received 100% support from members
Coventry HGV refuse drivers have voted to continue their strike action, Unite the Union has announced.
The vote to renew the strike action received 100% support, according to the union. HGV drivers will now continue their industrial action into the summer.
HGV drivers have been on all out-strike since 31st January this year in a dispute over pay. Unite claims HGV refuse lorry drivers are not paid the “market rate” for their job.
Unite claims this new vote will place additional pressure on Coventry City Council to settle with the union.
Fairness
Coventry City Council released a statement, saying: “While we are disappointed by Unite’s decision to once again ballot its members that are bin lorry drivers, we remain committed to continuing to talk with them to lawfully resolve this issue.
“We have done our best to mitigate the impact on our residents this action has caused since the start of this year while offering what we believe are generous and fair offers that remain on the table”.
Onay Kasab from Unite the Union spoke of the cost-of-living crisis and the effect it has on low-paid HGV drivers. Mr Kasab said: “If you’re doing an essential job, you deserve fairness when it comes to pay and the public understands that and will support workers being paid properly”.
Mr Kasab added: “We are considering the councils offer and the proposal will be put forward to our members”.