Refuse collectors working for Amey set to take strike action in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath throughout August
GMB, the union for refuse collectors, have announced the first 3 weeks of strike action for members employed by Amey in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath.
This area, which includes Camberley, Cobham, Esher, Frimley, Walton-on-Thames and Weybridge will see no kerbside rubbish collection for the period, which will initially run for the three weeks from 1 August to 19 August.
GMB members are already looking at announcing further dates in due course, should their employer not agree to meet their union representatives for talks to look at ending the dispute, which relates to this year’s pay offer.
Paul Grafton, GMB Regional Officer said:
“We have continually pushed Amey since April over pay as our members feel they are woefully underpaid and completely under-valued.
“Our members are at least £3 per hour underpaid, plus they don’t have the same levels of sick pay or pension benefits compared to those who are still working under local authority control elsewhere.
“The waste industry has become a race to the bottom when it comes to terms and conditions of employment as they attempt to use other waste contractors as comparators to drive wages down, something that has been happening for some time now within the entire industry.
“Residents of Surrey Heath and Elmbridge Borough Councils can now look forward to what is looking likely to be the hottest and now probably the smelliest August for many years.
“Anyone who lives locally who is not thrilled by the prospect of rubbish piling up in their streets and gardens should contact their local councillors to encourage them to lobby their waste contractor Amey to get back around the negotiating table.”
