Bin strikes to cause a stink in commuter belt

THE Surrey commuter belt is facing more than two weeks of bin strikes in a row over pay.

The GMB union said its members employed by Amey in Elmbridge and Surrey Heath will strike from next Monday until Aug 19. The area, which includes Camberley, Cobham, Esher, Frimley, Walton-on-thames and Weybridge, will see no kerbside rubbish collection for the period, with further walkouts planned, said the union.

Paul Grafton, GMB regional officer, said: “We have pushed Amey since April over pay as our members feel they are woefully underpaid and completely under-valued. Residents can now look forward to what is looking likely the hottest and now smelliest August for years.”

Colin Dougan, the Surrey Heath councillor with the portfolio for environment and community, said: “It is very disappointing that the GMB and Amey have not been able to come to an agreement on pay and that the GMB have decided to go down the route of strike action.”

The GMB has held a series of strikes this year among refuse collection workers in several parts of the country over pay.