Leeds refuse collectors agree to return to work

The majority of workers represented by the union GMB voted “emphatically” today (November 23) to return to work, which would see the return of over 300 workers who walked out on September 7 in a dispute with the local authority over plans to revise the council pay structure.

Talks to find a resolution between the two parties were set to take place a fortnight ago but were postponed by the council in a move which frustrated the unions (see letsrecycle.com story).

However, at a mass meeting today, council-employed workers represented by the GMB voted to return to work later this week after it said the threat of “savage cuts and privatisation” were withdrawn by the council.

After the meeting, Neil Derrick, GMB regional organiser, said “Today they have agreed to return to work on Wednesday with both threats removed. GMB would like to place on record our thanks to the people of Leeds who, despite the inconvenience they faced, recognised the just cause of the cleaning workers.”

Strike

The refuse workers had taken strike action over fears that plans to revise the council pay structure would leave members of the in-house refuse collection and street sweeping departments up to £6,000 worse off each year – a claim that was denied by the council.

And, at the end of October, workers rejected a revised pay-offer from the council (see letsrecycle.com story).

Welcoming the union response, councillor Richard Brett, council leader, said: “We have been able to work up slightly amended proposals which completely eradicate pay losses for many workers. We will also continue to work with other members of refuse staff who stand to lose money to see what can be done to close any pay gap.”

Cllr Brett said that the council's immediate priority is to get staff back to work and a full service restored as soon as possible.

The union decision comes one week after the council began to run a limited collection service using temporary staff.

Due to the “overwhelming” response, which saw 450 applicants for 50 temporary posts, the council was able to collect green recycling bins and black residual waste bins, as well as a one-off collection of the brown organic waste bins.