Rubbish depot strikes called off after bosses’ improved offer
STRIKES planned at a Widnes rubbish depot over the festive period were called off.
Members of Unite had balloted for industrial action at Veolia on Ditton Road after accusing the company of not paying staff for any sixth shift worked in seven days.
The union had warned that disrupting the function of waste services could lead to environmental issues for businesses such as McDonald’s, Boots, Wetherspoon and Asda.
A Unite spokesman said the dispute has been resolved after the firm made an improved offer.
He said that following lengthy negotiations between the union and Veolia’s management on Wednesday, December 19, the firm proposed that when workers undertook a sixth shift they will receive a combination of a payment and time off in lieu as compensation.
Veolia had disputed the initial claims and said all staff are paid for 48 hours a week, even if the full amount is not worked.
After consultation the staff accepted Veolia’s proposals and the strikes were suspended pending further national negotia- tions in the New Year.
They had been due to take place on December 21, Christmas Eve, January 4, and January 7 in combination with a series of overtime bans, which have also been called off.
Steven Gerrard, Unite regional officer, said: “This is an excellent result for members who through their solidarity have ended the rank unfairness of undertaking work and not being paid for it.
“Unite had said from the outset that once Veolia was prepared to enter into meaningful negotiations this dispute could be resolved and this proved ●