Kent waste contractor hit by GMB strike ballot

Suez, who only took over the contract in March, is already facing industrial unrest over pay rates

GMB, the union for refuse and recycling, is balloting members across two local authorities as their new employer is failing to offer pay parity.

Suez Recycling and Recovery Ltd took over the waste contract from Biffa in March 2024 across Ashford, Swale and Maidstone Councils.

The company is offering employees working in Swale and Ashford a pay deal in some cases more than £1 per hour lower than that offered to those working in Maidstone.

GMB’s ballot opens today and will close on Monday 19 August 2024.

Frank Macklin, GMB Regional Organiser said:

“GMB has been tackling low pay in the refuse industry for years but is finding it like painting the Forth Bridge – as soon as it appears sorted, we have to go back to where we began and start over.

“These companies continue to squeeze their employees dry to maximise the dividends they can pay to their shareholders.

“These workers carry out the same duties and should therefore receive the same pay across the contract, whether in Swale, Ashford or Maidstone.

“If workers in Maidstone earn a certain amount and have been offered a certain pay rise, our members in Ashford and Swale deserve the same.

"Let us be very clear too - workers in Ashford and Swale need their pay to come up to meet salaries in Maidstone and we will not accept any reduction in Maidstone workers' pay to fund pay rises elsewhere.”