Members of GMB union in Sandwell, whose electricians won a pay dispute last month, have swept away proposed cuts to the bin service this month after voting overwhelmingly for strike action.
In November Serco, the private company who provide the bin service, announced their plan to axe a number of the bin lorries, placing greater burden on those that remain to do more work for the same pay.
The decision to halt the cuts comes amid widespread fear of COVID-19, with cases set to spread across the UK in the coming weeks.
Sarah James, GMB Sandwell Branch Officer, said:
“Our bin workers provide a vital front line service. Especially now, we need to make sure that they are working safely.
“I want to congratulate our members on their courage for standing up and defending the people of Sandwell
“Union members in every sector are taking back power and using it to ensure that the health of our people comes first, not their profits. This is a total victory for working people and the public.”
