GMB Union has announced the dates of Northampton town’s bin strike ballot.
GMB Union has announced the dates of Northampton town’s bin strike ballot.
Voting will begin on Wednesday 16 March and the ballot will close three weeks later, on 6 April.
The earliest date of any industrial action – which could affect 94,000 homes - would be 20 April.
Northampton's refuse collectors – employed by Veolia - are angry after turning down a pay offer of just 2.5 per cent - despite inflation running at a 7.8 per cent.
The council, ultimately responsible for bin collections, has increased Veolia’s funding by 5.5 per cent, but the company are refusing to pass that on to workers.
Dave Warwick, GMB Organiser, said:
“Northampton’s refuse collectors now have the chance to vote in the strike ballot.
“From the mood among workers, there’s a strong possibility industrial action will take place.
“They can not believe the council has given Veolia a whopping funding increase huge increase and the company has trousered it instead of passing it on to workers.
“These refuse collectors keep Northampton’s streets clean come what may – now they need some support to get them through the cost of living crisis – and it’s not there.
“A decent pay offer would still nip this strike in the bud and avoid missed collections for almost 100,000 homes.”
