Solihull bin strike cancelled after pay deal is agreed

A planned bin strike in Solihull has been suspended after a new pay offer was accepted by workers.

Almost 100 refuse workers were set to walk out for five days from Monday (28 March), in a strike which could have affected up to 86,000 homes over the pay dispute.

Workers said they wanted a pay rise to keep them in line with the current industry average.

The GMB Union has said that members have now accepted a pay rise of up to 5.26 per cent, with a minimum of £10 per hour.

The union said on a turnout of 83 per cent, just over 56 per cent voted to accept the new deal.

What has Amey said about the deal?

Following the news, a spokeswoman for Amey Services Limited, a private firm contracted by Solihull Council, which employs the workforce, said:“We are delighted that through the consultation process the GMB decided to hold a second ballot and we thank their members for voting against strike action.

Throughout, Amey and the majority of staff have been committed to ensuring no impact on services to the Council and people of Solihull.

“As the contract comes to its natural end on 3^rd April, Amey will continue the work, which has been ongoing for many months, with the Council and new contractors to ensure a smooth and professional transfer, and continuity of services.

“We also remain committed to working positively with the GMB going forwards.”

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.