A trade union has warned it is "do or die time" in a pay talk showdown with a refuse company as strike action is threatened. GMB members have asked for "action now" from North Somerset Environment Company to combat rising living costs, and have warned more than 100 workers could walk out as part of future strikes.
North Somerset Council has said it remains willing to engage with GMB and that they look forward to the next meeting where they hope to draw a conclusion to the negotiations. It said that recycling services this week will go ahead as usual this week, but that the overtime ban means that members are not able to work extra time to help catch-up with any backlog.
GMB union is calling on NSEC to make an offer that "recognises the unprecedented cost of living crisis hitting members right now". The trade union says refuse workers have rejected a revised offer which they say fails to give members a real pay rise this year despite inflation hitting nine per cent, as measured by the Bank of England's CPI metric, reports Somerset Live.
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GMB says bosses imposed a 1.75 per cent pay deal against the wishes of union members last year, "which has seen members struggle to make ends meet". The trade union has warned that "if talks fail on Monday, more than 100 workers will walk out of recycling centres and refuse collection services run by North Somerset Environment Company".
Tim Northover, GMB regional organiser, said: "So far all the every offer has amounted to a real-terms pay cut in the midst of a cost of living crisis. Our members also need a pay rise that properly reflects the hard work they put in every day.
"The council needs to come back with a plan to rectify it on Monday, or we’ll be forced to issue new strike dates. It’s do or die time for these talks now really, this can’t go on forever."
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: “It’s disappointing that GMB members voted against the latest offer package but I’m really pleased strike action has been called off so residents will continue to receive collections and recycling centres will be open this week as usual.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our crews and those working in our recycling centres for their hard work over the busy Easter bank holiday weekend.
“The threat of industrial action isn’t over yet but we’re working really hard to limit the disruption. I’d like to repeat my thanks to residents for their patience, understanding and cooperation during this very challenging time. I encourage residents to check our website homepage and social media channels for the latest updates as the situation is evolving at pace.”
Brian Veale, Managing Director at North Somerset Environment Company, said: “Although the outcome of the ballot is not what we would have wanted, I’m encouraged to learn that there wasn’t much of a margin between those in favour and those against accepting the latest package.
“We remain willing to engage with GMB and look forward to our next meeting where, with assistance from ACAS, we hope to draw a conclusion to these negotiations.”
