Swindon & Wiltshire News
Wiltshire’s refuse collectors look likely to strike
Some refuse collectors look likely to go on strike next week after a pay offer was rejected.
In January the GMB Union balloted 64 members across three sites run by Hills Municipal Collections Limited in Trowbridge, Salisbury and Calne after a two per cent pay offer was rejected.
The threatened two-week strike action – which was due to start on February 28 – was suspended after Hills submitted an improved offer to workers. But the offer was rejected, and the GMB has informed Hills that its members will strike for two weeks starting on Monday, March 7.
Not all refuse collectors will strike. The UNISON union has accepted the revised pay deal and members of the Unite Union are considering the revised offer.
A spokesperson for Hills said: “This is a very disappointing outcome. We have moved our offer considerably over the previous weeks and we firmly believe that the pay offer provides a fair settlement in relation to inflation and indexation, which we know is impacting the cost of living. The offer is in line or ahead of comparable local pay awards and it provides positive certainty in a time of increasing volatility.
“Hills Municipal Collections teams will work with Wiltshire Council to minimise disruption to household collection services. This industrial action has been timed to coincide with the roll-out of new collection rounds, and we ask for resident’s understanding whilst we do all we can to deal with the issue.“
Residents should continue to place their bins out for collection as normal, and check Wiltshire Council’s social media feeds or visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk for up-to-date information on waste collection services in their area, Hills advised.
