Waste collectors call off strike after agreeing new pay deal
WASTE workers have called off strike action after agreeing an improved pay deal. Employees of North Somerset Environment Company (NSEC) had threatened a series of walk-outs in a row over pay.
Now they have called off action after accepting a jointly agreed revised and improved pay offer in a ballot that took place last week. North Somerset Environment Company (NSEC), North Somerset Council’s supplier of recycling and waste services, and the GMB union have confirmed that an agreement has been reached.
All household black bin waste, recycling and garden waste collections will continue as usual. North Somerset’s three recycling centres at Backwell, Portishead and Westonsuper-Mare will also continue to open as normal.
The agreement also means an end to the overtime ban imposed by the GMB in place during April. The ban limited NSEC’s ability to complete rounds on normal collection days in some instances.
Strike action would have caused disruption to around 88,000 homes across North Somerset.
North Somerset Council executive member for neighbourhoods and community services Mike Solomon said: “It’s welcome news to learn that GMB members have voted in favour of the latest offer package.
“I’m sure that the strike being called off will come as a relief to residents. I’d like to repeat my thanks for their patience, understanding and cooperation during this very challenging time.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the team at NSEC for their efforts and the professional way in which they dealt with the industrial action process.
“Secondly to ACAS, the UK’s industrial mediation service, for their support.
“Thanks must also go to our crews and those working in the recycling centres for their continued hard work during the negotiations.”
Brian Veale, managing director at North Somerset Environment Company, said: “We’re pleased that a conclusion has been drawn to what has been a very challenging period.
Residents can check their usual day for household (black bin) waste, recycling or garden waste collections on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calendar.