GMB refuse collectors across the UK took more than 100 days of strike action this year, GMB’s congress heard today.
The union passed a motion calling for all refuse workers, regardless of whether they are outsourced or not, to be paid a wage they can live on.
Proper pay, terms and conditions would remove the need for industrial action, the union said.
GMB members working in refuse collection have staged strikes across the UK, from Brighton to Glasgow, often winning themselves double digit percentage pay increases as a result.
GMB’s annual congress takes place in Harrogate, Yorkshire, from 12 – 16 June.
Andrew Gibson, GMB Delegate, said:
“GMB members working in refuse collection have been left with no alternative but to take industrial action to get the pay rise they need to make ends meet.
“If they were paid properly in the first place, they wouldn’t have to resort to disruptive strike action.
“GMB Congress calls for all employers, who provide services to the public, paid for directly or indirectly from public services budgets, to get a proper wage rate for the job; one they can live and keep a roof over their heads.”
