Bin strikes which were set to start next week affecting 220,000 homes across Manchester have been called off as workers win a pay rise worth up to 22 pc.
Staff at Biffa, the company which collects waste for Manchester council, voted to take industrial action starting on Tuesday (May 3) for four weeks altogether. It came after the company offered some staff a pay rise of just 17p an hour.
But Biffa has now offered a two-year pay deal worth 22 pc for drivers, 11 pc for loaders and between 8 to 11 pc for street scene workers, according to unions. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that this means drivers are set to receive around £13.90 an hour while loaders will get just over £11.
READ MORE: Bin men prepared to ‘picket until Christmas’ over 17p pay rise as strikes loom
GMB union organiser Michael Clark said: "Our members voices have been heard – because they stood together. We would like to thank Manchester City Council and their leader Bev Craig for their assistance in the dispute.
"To other unscrupulous employers take note – the GMB will stand firm against any attempts to enforce pay cuts."
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "This is a great win for our members at Biffa. Their unity secured this improved pay increase. At a time of punishing living costs, this deal further demonstrates Unite’s total commitment to improving the pay and conditions of its members."
As part of the deal Biffa has agreed to further review pay rates this autumn if inflation “stays at an exceptionally high level”. Unite regional officer Tanya Sweeney added: "From the beginning Unite made it clear that this dispute could and should be resolved by Biffa returning to the negotiating table and making an offer that our members could accept.
"Once Biffa fully understood the strength of feeling among our members that is what occurred."
Manchester council leader Bev Craig said: "Making Manchester cleaner is a top political priority for me, and despite years of cuts from government are we are investing more in cleaning the streets and our parks. The city’s refuse staff do a great job, and worked hard throughout the pandemic.
"I’m pleased that through negotiations Biffa and the trade unions have reached a deal that sees an increase in pay for staff at the time of a cost of living crisis and lets us get on with cleaning up Manchester."
A Manchester City Council spokesperson said: "We have been informed that an agreement has been reached between Biffa and the unions, avoiding strike action and disruption for our residents. This is a great result and shows why negotiations are important to reach a settlement each party is comfortable with. Thanks to those involved in bringing this matter to a timely conclusion."
A Biffa spokesperson said: "We're pleased that this issue has now been resolved.”
