This suspension will allow the union to conduct a ballot among its membership regarding an improved pay offer made.
The strike action, originally scheduled to commence on Wednesday, July 12 (see letsrecycle.com story), will remain on hold until the results of the union ballot are known. All waste collection services are expected to operate as normal throughout the week.
Residents in Somerset are urged to continue presenting their refuse, recycling, and garden waste in accordance with their usual schedules.
Moreover, the online garden waste form, which was temporarily disabled during the labour dispute, has been reinstated. It is now open for new subscriptions, renewals, and requests for replacement garden waste bins. Additionally, the authorities are accepting requests for container deliveries.
In the coming days, the council plans to reinstate bulky waste collections, allowing residents to dispose of larger items that cannot be accommodated in regular waste bins.
‘Glad’
Mickey Green, Somerset council’s executive director for climate and place, said: “We’re very glad that there has been some progress and that this week’s strike action has been suspended.
“Any disruption to waste collections would have a major impact on residents, but we also appreciate that cost of living pressures are affecting everyone, including waste collection crews.
“We very much hope an agreement can be reached. It is in everyone’s interests for this to be resolved without industrial action. We now await the outcome of the ballot and any subsequent talks. We thank everyone for their patience.”
The council and Suez UK remain committed to finding a mutually agreeable resolution that addresses the concerns of the waste collection crews while ensuring an efficient waste management system for the region.
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