Penrith faces bin chaos as workers vote to walk out

Refuse workers in Penrith will down tools for two weeks

Refuse workers in Penrith will down tools for two weeks in a dispute over pay.

Dozens of staff at Urbaser, who hold the contract for refuse collection, will take industrial action from October 2 to 13

Workers including drivers, loaders and cleaners are calling for a pay rise to help ease the cost-of-living crisis.

Michael Hall, GMB regional organiser, said:

“All these workers are asking for is fair pay. They deserve a decent wage for the vital work they do.

“The only realistic way to achieve this is to bring the service back in house, but Urbaser bosses don’t want to hear it.

“We are happy to talk anytime to resolve this dispute. We urge Penrith council/the employer to speak to us and sort this out.”