A cyclist in Richmond Park
(Picture: Getty Images)Waste collection has been halted for three weeks in Richmond after bin men announced a surprise strike.
The GMB union, which represents workers, said 98 per cent of its members voted for strike action following a dispute over pay.
The union began the strike on Monday morning after rejecting a pay increase during talks with bosses at the council’s waste contractor Serco.
A representative for the union said a strike “was a last resort” taken by staff “to secure an hourly wage which will ensure they’re not worse off than they were last year”.
A spokesperson for Richmond Council said: “Richmond upon Thames’ waste and recycling collections are provided by Serco.
“Serco and the GMB Union have been in pay negotiations, but this morning - Monday - waste and recycling collection crews unexpectedly decided to start strike action.
“The duration of this intended strike action has not yet been confirmed. Negotiations between Serco and GMB will continue today.
“Until we have been advised of the duration of the strike, we cannot confirm when collections will be recovered.”
Paul Grafton, Regional Officer at GMB, said:“Our members aren’t asking for the moon, just a pay rise that reflects how hard they work every day, come rain or shine.
“This is physically demanding work that nobody notices until it doesn’t get done.
“The members don’t want to take strike action, but this their last resort if they want to secure an hourly wage which will ensure they’re not worse off than they were last.”
Serco Contract Manager Harry Oakley said: "We are deeply disappointed that our enhanced pay offer was rejected this morning, against the recommendations of the GMB, and todays strike action is taking place.
"We remain committed to working in partnership with the GMB and have further meetings scheduled for today.
"In line with our national Recognition Agreement framework and dispute procedure, (we) will engage with ACAS conciliation if necessary.
"We would like to offer our apologies to residents for any disruption resulting from this action."
