Wolverhampton’s in-house EfW workers to strike next week

According to the announcement published on the union’s website yesterday (13 March), the strike stems from a disagreement with council management over pay.

The announcement from the Union states that despite processing more than 100,000 tonnes of household waste annually, employees at the site have been enduring a pay freeze since April 2022.

This freeze,  coupled with the rising cost of living, has left workers frustrated and prompted them to act argued the union.

‘Support’

Tom Warnett, GMB regional organiser, said: “Our members are tired of delays and excuses from the council. Our door is always open, and we will remain open to any discussions with the council or with the new employer to resolve this dispute.

“Until then, we will be giving our members the full support of the union as they prepare to take industrial action.

“However, if strike action does go ahead, we do not believe the site can be safely or legally operated and will be working with those responsible to ensure that the plant is safely shut off to protect nearby residents and businesses.”

Contract

The announcement from the GMB union alleges that the council has violated the terms of the workers’ contract, which includes provisions for annual pay negotiations.

In addition to highlighting grievances over pay, the Union has said that workers are also anticipating a forthcoming transfer to a new employer, slated to occur next month. This transition adds another layer of uncertainty for the employees, who are hoping for fair treatment and recognition of their hard work.

‘Disappointed’

However, a City of Wolverhampton council spokesperson told letsrecycle.com: “The council has been notified by GMB of the strike action by council employees at the EFW plant. It is disappointed by their decision to take this action following discussions with GMB on pay issues over the last few months.

“The council and its management contractor have plans in place to ensure that the action does not impact the safe operation of the plant, and that no other council services will be affected. There are currently no scheduled meeting with the Union but we are more than willing to enter into meaningful discussions to find a compromise that is acceptable to both parties.”