Dispute ends as bin workers accept ‘improved’ pay offer

A STRIKE by Surrey refuse collectors is over after members of the GMB union accepted what it said was an “improved” pay offer.

It means kerbside bin collections in Surrey Heath and Elmbridge restarted on Monday.

The GMB union said on Friday that it had notified Surrey Heath and Elmbridge waste contractor Amey that the strike action being undertaken by union members has been suspended.

It said: “The company have made an improved offer to their refuse drivers and loaders, which has been accepted by the majority of GMB members.”

Staff began the planned 20-day walkout on Monday August 1 while collections went ahead as scheduled in Mole Valley and Woking after Unite members accepted Amey’s pay offer.

Online publication SurreyLive reported that some bins were overflowing just three days into the strike, before the action was temporarily suspended on Monday last week for talks to take place at the conciliation service Acas.

These talks stalled with workers returning to the picket lines on Tuesday last week before negotiations between Amey and the union resumed on Thursday.

No further details on the pay deal have been given.

Paul Grafton, GMB regional officer said: “GMB members working as refuse collectors within Elmbridge and Surrey Heath borough councils have accepted an improve pay offer from their employer Amey.

“This has been a protracted dispute, and we are grateful to Acas for facilitating yesterday’s pay talks.

“Our members have banked this improved offer and will return to providing the excellent service that their hard work delivers for residents.

“We are hopeful that this dispute sends a message to Amey – that our members are solid when they take collective action, and that perhaps they can make an offer next time that will avoid our members going out on strike at all.”