'Extremely disruptive' bin strike looming in Wrexham as staff balloted on action
More than 100 Unite members are being balloted on industrial action. With backing, this could see strike action on dates such as the August bank holiday and the busy Christmas period.
According to Sharon Graham, the union's general secretary, the dispute centres on overtime changes implemented by Wrexham Council. As well as refuse workers, this will affect other Street Scene staff working in parks, gardens and highways, she said.
Ms Graham said staff were previously given additional days off over Christmas, with overtime offered to plug the gaps. Saturday working has now become compulsory, she said.
This change was implemented 'without any consultation' with staff or Unite, said Ms Graham. The loss of overtime will mean every worker losing the equivalent of half a day's pay, she added.
The threat of industrial action echoes Wrexham's seven-week bin strike in autumn 2023 in a dispute over pay. This left some communities with rubbish piling up on streets.
Ms Graham said: 'The way Wrexham Council has attempted to force through these changes to working patterns, without any negotiations, is nothing short of a disgrace.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
The changes will also see staff pay reduced for overtime. Unite said affected workers had already 'endured years of below inflation pay rises'. This year they were offered a below-inflation 3.2% pay rise, said the union.
The union has also claimed a 'lack of engagement' from Alywn Jones, the council's new interim chief executive, following an initial meeting to resolve the dispute.
The ballot closes on August 5 with Unite threatening industrial action in late August. Unite members are also considering strike action over Christmas.
Unite regional officer Simon Ellis said: 'Any bin strike in Wrexham would be extremely disruptive and we know people living in the city will not be pleased to hear about this potential action.
'This is an easy dispute to fix, by maintaining our hardworking members' currently-agreed hours and overtime pay. We urge the council to come back to the negotiating table before it is too late.'
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