Thanet bin strike averted

A Thanet bin strike has been averted after the council made a ‘bumper’ pay offer yesterday [Monday 18 September].

GMB members who work as refuse, recycling and street cleansing operatives for Thanet District Council had voted for industrial action and were ready to walk out.

But the local authority today offered a further 5.75 per cent on top of its previous offer.

GMB members in nearby Canterbury took 67 days of strike action and won £15 an hour for drivers and £12 an hour for loaders.

Thanet District Council have now agreed to offer similar terms and to implement the rise from 1 November.

GMB member were balloted in their workplace yesterday and accepted the Council’s improved offer

Frank Macklin, GMB Organiser, said:

“Thanet residents will be relieved to hear that the council have done the right thing and agreed to pay their refuse and recycling workers the going rate for the job.

“It’s clear Thanet Council didn’t want a long-protracted and messy dispute like the one seen in Canterbury.

“This result is testament to the determination of GMB members in Thanet who were willing to strike to get the pay rates they deserve, as well as their colleagues in Canterbury who made huge personal sacrifices to demonstrate what refuse workers should be paid.

“This campaign will now continue to spread across the South East and our message to refuse workers is clear: contact GMB and we will be happy to help you win a better pay deal.”