On 2 June, the workers represented by the GMB Union announced the strike action, which covers those working on street cleansing, waste collections, HWRCs sites and the transfer station.
The GMB said it is taking the action after Serco “refused to raise wages in line with inflation”. The action is expected to continue for the rest of this week.
The GMB Union has now called on Serco management to “act urgently” after the Union said picket line observers reported Serco senior managers for driving aggressively around strikers last week (8 June).
Justine Jones, GMB organiser, said: “Our members safety on the picket line is non-negotiable. Tensions are high, but if management can’t control their emotions around the industrial action then they need to steer clear of our picket line.
“This kind of behaviour is reckless and needs to end. We’re calling on Serco to act urgently before this becomes a police matter”.
We rely on our refuse workers – it’s time they get fair pay deal from Serco that matches the huge rise in the cost of living.
Pleased to support GMB members in Sandwell out on strike this morning! pic.twitter.com/QQL3dL4go7
— Sarah Coombes for West Bromwich (@SarahCoombesWB) June 6, 2023
‘Tensions’
In response to the accusations from the GMB, Tony Marston, senior contract manger at Serco, explained: “We agree that it is important that everybody acts in safe manner, especially when tensions are high, and agree common sense is needed. GMB can play their part by ensuring pickets are not placing themselves in danger by standing in the road or illegally blocking access to vehicles.”
The strike action is expected to continue for the rest of this week and the council has assured residents they will try to keep waste collection services as normal as possible during the ongoing strikes. The council said it is prioritising general waste collections and have advised residents who have not had general waste collected to leave bins out until they have been emptied.
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