According to the GMB, around 100 staff are “ready to walk out” after almost 99% rejected a pay offer of a 6% rise during a ballot.
The union added that its workers have faced a “massive” real terms pay cut while Suez “continues to make eye-watering profits”.
Andrew Blunt, GMB Organiser, said: “GMB members work hard shifts and unsociable hours to provide for their families.
“Yet since 2012 have been thanked with real terms cut of, in some cases, more than 30%. All our members are asking is a fair reward for their efforts – it’s up to bosses to provide that an nip this industrial action in the bud.”
‘Surprise’
In a statement given to letsrecycle.com, Tim Otley, national energy director for Suez recycling and recovery UK, said the company has “carefully considered how we reward our people in view of the challenging economic conditions this year.”
This, he says, including targeted measures to support colleagues on lower incomes.
Mr Otley added that Suez is “surprised” by the announcement as GMB organisers have not been involved with discussions so far.
He said: “We have a well-established consultative employee forum at our Teesside energy from waste facilities which meets regularly and is in ongoing dialogue with senior management. The local GMB Organiser hasn’t been involved in these discussions, so we were surprised to learn of the Union’s proposed strike action.
“We know that, ultimately, it’s our people who are behind the great service we provide to our customers, and we value the hard work of our frontline teams in delivering essential services to our customers. We’re committed to the consultative process and continue our conversations to reach a resolution.”
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