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Members of the GMB union employed by Urbaser at their depots in Letchworth and Buntingford have been unsuccessful in their attempts to negotiate company sick pay and a “fair wage hike with their employer,” the union said.
The GMB union is now in the process of preparing for a strike ballot, which, if approved, “could result in uncollected rubbish and unswept streets” in the coming month. Approximately 60 refuse workers are poised to be involved in the strike action, including bin lorry drivers, waste collectors, and road sweepers.
“Psychically demanding”
Michael Dooley, representing the GMB, said: “Our members are the ones responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the local environment.
“They work in physically demanding, often dirty, conditions, and are out in all weathers, all year round. Urbaser has been unwilling to offer any company sick pay to workers who fall ill, forcing sick individuals to rely on meagre statutory sick pay. Despite being a multimillion-pound international company, Urbaser differs from other waste contractors like Biffa, Veolia, and Serco, who provide company sick pay schemes. We believe it’s entirely reasonable for Urbaser to implement a company sick pay program.”
Strike Ballot
A joint statement from East and North Herts district councils regarding potential strikes by Urbaser employees explained that Urbaser has notifited the authorities that GMB Union members at their Letchworth and Buntingford depots have plans to undertake a strike ballot next month.
“In the event of a strike, we will work with Urbaser to minimise disruption to residents and ensure any affected residents are kept up to date.”
Urbaser also recently experienced a strike at their contract with Welwyn Hatfield borough council, which concluded with workers accepting a 13.5% pay increase.
Urbaser has been contacted for comment.
