Binmen to vote on Christmas strike

Nov 12 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Bins awating collection _320

LIVERPOOL’S binmen could walk out on strike just days before Christmas after being asked to vote on industrial action in a row over pay.

It could mean rubbish piling up in the run up to the festive period and the start of Capital of Culture year.

Union bosses are balloting employees at Veolia, which took over all the city’s refuse collection responsibilities last year.

The vote follows a breakdown in talks between the company and the GMB union about the binmen’s next pay rise.

The union says Veolia’s final offer is just 2.475%, which it believes is unacceptable.

Ballot papers have now been sent to about 200 employees, asking them if they support industrial action. The result is due on November 28.

GMB organiser Glyn Thornton said: “This is not a step we have taken lightly.

“I have twice now contacted the company to express how dismayed GMB members are with a below-inflation final offer, how strong the feeling was to commence industrial action, and most importantly to offer further talks to see if we can achieve an amicable settlement.”

A Veolia spokesman said: “We are currently in negotiations with the GMB and are committed to discussions.”