Refuse workers vote for bin strikes in North Somerset

North Somerset residents are facing piling bins after refuse staff voted for industrial action.

Almost 100 workers at recycling centres and refuse collection services run by North Somerset Environment Company are set to walk out.

The strike could affect 88,000 homes

Workers are angry after North Somerset Council, who set up the company last year, have only provided funding for a 4.5 per cent pay award over two years.

With inflation running at 7.8 per cent and expected to get even higher, this amounts to a big real-terms pay cut.

Following negotiations with GMB, the board of the company requested North Somerset Council boost funding for an improved offer – but the council continues to drag its heels.

GMB will meet now meet with members to discuss potential strike dates.

Tim Northover, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“Our members have been pushed to the brink and now they’ve had no choice but to vote with their feet.

“More members are joining every day and make no bones about it, GMB will fight for every penny they deserve.

“It’s not too late to avoid this, North Somerset can come back to the table with a real offer at any time. My phone is always on.”

North Somerset Council say:

“A number of GMB members employed by North Somerset Environment Company have voted in support of industrial action including a strike. We don’t know when this action will be taken but it will inevitably have an impact on the recycling and waste services we provide. We want to assure residents that we are focussed on minimising disruption as much as we can and have plans in place to do so. Our website will be updated with information about affected services.”

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