Sandwell bin strike: refuse collectors to strike during the Commonwealth Games

Refuse collection workers in Sandwell have voted to go on strike during the Commonwealth Games.

Members of the GMB union said their members are taking industrial action across Sandwell on July 28, when the Games open in Birmingham. They are also striking on July 29, August 4, 5, and 8 - the final day of the event.

The GMB union claimed private contractor, Serco – which runs the collection services in Sandwell – offered a real terms pay cut to workers, which has been refused.

The bin strike announcement follows industrial action announced by rail unions. Railway workers in the RMT union and drivers who are members of Aslef are due to strike either side of the start of the Games on 28 July.

GMB Midlands organiser Justine Jones said of the refuse collectors deision: “Strike action is a last resort, but Serco top brass have forced the hand of hundreds of hard-working local refuse workers.

“Our members have asked for nothing more than a fair pay rise, after keeping communities here in Sandwell clean and safe throughout the pandemic.

“The eyes of the world will be on our area during the Commonwealth Games, it’s a shame that Serco has put the bottom line before their own workforce and community in this way.

“This is a big distraction from the Games and we hope Serco sees sense and urgently brings a pay offer to the table that reflects the hard work and dedication of our members.”

A Serco spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work with all three unions collectively in accordance with our national recognition agreement framework to secure a meaningful resolution to the ongoing pay discussions.”

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