Refuse workers working across Wiltshire will go on strike this month, with more than 250,000 homes expected to be affected by the industrial action.
Wiltshire Council operatives, loaders and drivers employed by three Hills Waste Solutions sites will walk out on 28 February as workers continue to fight below-inflation pay rises.
GMB Union has confirmed that 70 staff members across three sites will walk out after a ballot saw more than 98 per cent of workers voting to strike, on a return of almost 85%.
Workers are said to be “furious” after management imposed a 2% pay award – amounting to a massive real-terms pay cut – and failed to negotiate meaningfully with the union.
Nicola Nixon, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “We have today served notice on the employer and will at this point now be working with members arranging pickets for the first strike day.
“Time is running out if Hills want to get back around the table to discuss our members pay expectations of a seven per cent pay increase before any possible major disruption of waste and recycling collections for more than 250,000 homes.
“We can’t negotiate on our own and despite GMB having the largest membership, Hills have done nothing to make us think that’s going to change.
“We were told at our last meeting that there is an improved offer, but that they won’t tell us what it is yet. It’s game playing – pure game playing.”
