GMB union has today urged action from outsourcing giant Serco as Sandwell refuse workers enter their third strike week.
The calls come as the union has requested urgent talks with Council leadership following Serco’s refusal to negotiate with representatives of Sandwell’s refuse workers.
Justine Jones, GMB Organiser, said:
“Serco’s greed has caused this strike, it’s that simple.
“As we enter strike week three, residents and businesses are seeing Serco allow waste to pile high because they can’t get their house in order on pay.
“Taking strike action is always a last resort, but all our members are asking for is a pay packet that lets them raise a family and pay the bills.
“In reality Serco are proposing a real terms pay cut in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, all whilst posting eye watering profits as a company. It’s unrealistic to expect working people to accept that.
“The support from local Sandwell residents during this strike has been overwhelming. They know their local refuse workers aren’t the ones to blame for this disruption.
“It’s time for Serco to get real on pay and get around the table for negotiations.”
