Dozens of bin workers and street cleaners across Liverpool have suspended strike action.
More than 80 workers from Liverpool Streetscene Services Limited (LSSL) had been scheduled to take industrial action across eight days this month starting tomorrow, Friday March 10. Unite the Union has now confirmed that action has been halted to allow for “constructive talks” with LSSL management.
Brian Troake, Unite regional officer, said: “Unite have today agreed to suspend the upcoming period of industrial action at LSSL to allow meaningful dialogue to continue with management. Unite remain confident that we can reach a negotiated settlement and draw this dispute to a satisfactory conclusion. However, if the outcome of these meetings fail to meet our members’ aspirations, Unite will not hesitate in recommencing industrial action.
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In January, staff from Liverpool Council’s refuse and street cleaning arm staged a six-day walk out in a row over pay. It had been expected they would take further industrial action on 10, 13, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 March.
The 80 plus workers are employed in refuse collection, street cleaning and parks and cemeteries. They are also responsible for collecting household waste and managing public bins, alongside maintenance of the city’s parks and cemeteries.
The industrial action has been staged as workers seek a 4% pay increase and an additional £1,000 to offset the cost of living crisis. At a meeting of Liverpool Council in January, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Frazer Lake, vowed to find a resolution to the ongoing dispute.
Cllr Lake said industrial action was “the last thing” he wanted to see and he was “really disappointed to see that they feel the need to strike.” The Fazakerley councillor confirmed he had met with Unite officials alongside Labour group leader Cllr Liam Robinson and were “getting round the table to negotiate.”
The Deputy Mayor said he would “continue to encourage talks to bring the resolution to the dispute.” In January, staff members represented by the GMB union, who make up the majority of Streetscene staff, accepted a 10% pay rise from the city council.
The agreement between GMB and the city council led to a 4% raise for the highest paid staff and a 10.5% increase for the lowest paid, plus an additional day of annual leave.
Bernie Clearly, GMB organiser, said: “Given the cost-of-living crisis and understanding the financial pressures being placed upon Liverpool City Council and residents of the city, GMB members have chosen to accept this offer. They will continue to uphold and deliver the services currently contracted to LSSL as they did during the pandemic.”
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