In an announcement this week (28 November), the union said around 200 workers employed by Biffa on the Wirral council contract will begin strike action next week in a dispute over what it sees as low pay.
The union added that the strike is planned to start on 5 December and end on 10 December, with further industrial action likely if the dispute is not resolved.
According to Unite, the workers are making a stand due to low pay rates. It outlined that “HGV drivers are being paid just £11.95 an hour”, with refuse and street operatives on £11.50 and £10.76 respectively.
The union explained that workers are seeking a 15% pay increase “to reset their pay rates and also tackle the cost of living crisis”, adding that real rate of inflation is at 14.2%.
However, a Biffa spokesperson told letsrecycle.com that following a “constructive day of negotiations between ACAS and the trade union” yesterday (29 November), it has tabled a “revised above-inflation pay offer”.
“We hope to find a resolution to this dispute so that strike action can be avoided. A further meeting is planned for Thursday,” they added.
‘Hugely wealthy’
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Biffa is a hugely wealthy company that can and should pay a decent rate of pay to its workers.
“Unite’s members cannot and will not tolerate low pay any longer and they will receive the union’s complete support throughout this dispute.”
Unite then pointed out that Biffa revealed in its annual report that it had “record growth, with revenues increasing by 39%” (see letsrecycle.com story).
Disruption
Kenny Rowe, Unite regional officer, warned that the strike action will “inevitably cause huge disruption to the residents of Wirral”. He added: “This dispute is entirely of Biffa’s and the council’s own making. Biffa has had every opportunity to make a fair pay offer and end low pay but it has declined to do so.”
Mr Rowe then called on Biffa and the council “to wake up, get round the negotiating table and make a pay offer which meets workers’ expectations”.
Commenting on the council’s behalf, a spokesperson told letsrecycle.com: “We are aware that pay negotiations are ongoing between our waste contractor Biffa and unions.
“This is currently a matter for Biffa, and we would not comment further other than to say we are hopeful of a speedy agreement to ensure residents do not see any impact on services.”
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