Town’s striking bin workers hold rally at council house

RUGBY’S striking binmen made their voices heard at a noisy ‘Sort it out’ rally outside the council house.

Many of the town’s refuse drivers, loaders and street cleaners walked out on April 26 over a bitter dispute concerning their pay.

Earlier this week, Rugby Borough Council appeared to concede some ground in a bid to edge closer to a resolution. The authority said that, after detailed analysis had been completed, it acknowledged an increase in pay for the street cleaner and driver roles was ‘justified.’ Interim increases in refuse driver pay, agreed in December, should be made permanent, RBC said.

But the council said a review of refuse loader roles confirmed the existing grade, which ‘attracts above average pay,’ was ‘correct.’ The council said Unite’s request for loaders to be given additional pay for acting as a ‘banksman’ could not be supported because it was already paid within the job role.

In a show of unity around 40 members of the council’s waste collection force, many represented by the trade union Unite, took part in a protest outside the Town Hall in Evreux Way.

The rally, accompanied by a mobile ad van, coincided with the annual meeting of RBC where a new mayor was being elected.

Unite says its members are striking to demand a significant pay increase amid spiralling price rises which are reportedly leaving workers struggling to afford the basics. Real terms inflation has crashed into double-digits at 11.1 per cent, the group said.

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “Disgracefully, Rugby council has dragged its feet for over a year while workers are struggling to pay the bills. Unite members have had enough. They are united in their strike and their calls to the council to sort it out.

“Our members are being hammered by the toxic combination of low pay and a cost of living crisis. They have Unite’s full support in their fight for fair pay.”

Unite regional officer Zoe Mayou added: “Unite has made it clear that we cannot resolve this dispute unless the workers’ pay demands are addressed collectively. Council leaders need to realise the workers are standing firm and they are united.”

Council leader Seb Lowe said earlier this week that his organisation was ‘continuing to engage in constructive discussions with Unite.’ “While we cannot alter the national pay settlement,” Coun Lowe said. “We have made an offer and hope to reach an agreement soon. Throughout discussions we have balanced our responsibilities towards our staff with our responsibilities to our residents. We are mindful of the need to be good stewards of public money.

“I would like to thank our residents for their understanding during this period of industrial action. I know that our crews and redeployed staff who are continuing to work appreciate their support.”