Council happy to allow dispute to escalate into full blown strike action even at risk of deeply upsetting residents, say GMB Union
Reigate and Banstead faces rubbish pile ups after GMB council workers voted to strike over pay.
Talks between the union and the local authority stalled after council bosses refused to meet with mediators ACAS without other parties being present.
The majority of GMB members in the council work in refuse collection.
Following the breakdown in talks, GMB has now confirmed the following dates for industrial action:
- Thursday April 8
- Friday April 9
- Thursday April 15
- Friday April 16
Paul Grafton, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“Unfortunately, Reigate and Banstead Council would not agree any terms of reference with ACAS so they declined to meet with GMB and ACAS in a last-ditch attempt to resolve the pay dispute.
“I do find it very disappointing at the lack of engagement in this dispute over pay.
“I am hoping the council see some sense and try to resolve the matter rather than continually muddying the waters.
“It appears the Council are quite happy to allow the dispute to escalate to full blown strike action even at the risk of deeply upsetting residents - who now face the grim prospect of a rubbish pile up.
“We encourage any residents unhappy with the prospect of missed bin collections to take it up with the council.”
