Northampton town’s bin strike ballot begins today [18 March 2022] as GMB Members vote on industrial action.
The ballot will close three weeks from today, 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:
“Today, Northampton’s refuse collectors will begin voting in the strike ballot.
“They are incensed the council has given Veolia a big funding increase to battle inflation, but the company refuses to pass it on to workers.
“Northampton’s refuse collectors have worked non stop throughout the pandemic, risking their own safety to keep the town clean
“All they want is some help to make ends meet during this terrible cost of living crisis.
“A decent pay offer would get workers back round the table and avoid missed collections for almost 100,000 homes.”
