Bin workers and street cleaners in Liverpool have accepted a 10% pay rise from the city council.
Staff members represented by the GMB union make up the majority of the workforce of Liverpool Street Scene Limited, the council's refuse and cleansing company. The members have now voted to accept a 10% pay rise.
While the majority of the workforce is represented by the GMB union, some are represented by Unite. Last week Unite announced plans for a strike action that could take place next week.
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If the action goes ahead, Unite members will walk-out from their jobs between Monday January 23 until Saturday January 28. But they will not be joined by GMB members after a deal was struck today.
The agreement between GMB and the city council will see a 4% raise for the highest paid staff and a 10.5% increase for the lowest paid, plus an additional day of annual leave.
Bernie Clearly, GMB Organiser, said: “Given the cost-of-living crisis and understanding the financial pressures being placed upon Liverpool City Council and residents of the city, GMB members have chosen to accept this offer.
“They will continue to uphold and deliver the services currently contracted to LSSL as they did during the pandemic.”
As things stand, the more than 80 Unite-represented workers will walk-out on strike tomorrow. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members play a crucial role in keeping Liverpool clean and they deserve a fair days’ pay. LSSL and Liverpool council can’t sweep this issue under the carpet any longer. Our members at LSSL will be receiving Unite’s total support throughout this dispute.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Liverpool Street Scene Limited said: "The pay deal referred to was a result of the national pay negotiations via the NJC. This was agreed nationally and processed back in November 2022 for this financial year.
"LSSL employees are subject to NJC inflationary pay awards and terms and conditions and this pay award, agreed and processed in November, applied to all staff working across the company including refuse collectors, street cleansing staff, grounds, parks and highways maintenance operations.
"LSSL continues to work in partnership with the GMB to ensure the continued delivery of quality front line public realm services to the residents of Liverpool on behalf of the City Council, and our channels remain open with Unite and their members to resolve their dispute."
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