Refuse collection staff employed by Veolia are set to strike over a pay dispute, their union has announced.
Unite said about 100 of its members employed under Bromley Council’s collection contract voted 85% in favour of three days of strike action.
The union said Veolia offered a 1.5% pay rise to its members for the year starting last April, short of the 4% increase they requested.
It reported its staff members had received below inflation pay rises “for years”, and are unhappy that this is now being used as a benchmark for current increases.
Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said: “Workers are angry as they have to cover heavier workloads following a number of rounds being cut.
“Veolia has a final chance for talks – we urge them to take that opportunity.
“The collection service will be a day behind initially, and the further two days of action will hamper efforts to catch up and cause the service to householders to lag further behind.”
The strikes are due to run all day on 24 August and 3 and 4 September.
A spokesperson for Veolia in Bromley said: “We have been notified this morning of possible strike action in Bromley and are seeking to work closely with Unite to resolve this situation.”
You might also like...
Birmingham strike ends at £6m cost
Birmingham City Council has settled its long refuse collectors’ strike at a cost of almost £6m.
Inter-union row brings refuse strike back to Birmingham
A dispute between two trade unions has seen Birmingham’s waste collection service hit by industrial action just over a year since a lengthy strike was settled.
News round-up February 2019
ACP appoints wood sector reps Refuse fleet sends residents messages; Fines for illegal disposal; Bin aims to improve disposable cup recycling rates
Veolia fined £1m after employee killed by refuse vehicle
Veolia ES (UK) has been fined £1m after one of its employees was run over and killed by a refuse collection vehicle (RCV).
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions. Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.