Sheffield bin workers to take action over pay offer

The GMB said its members should get a pay rise in line with inflation

Refuse collectors in Sheffield have voted to take industrial action in a row over pay.

GMB union members employed by environmental services firm Veolia have rejected a 2% pay increase.

Pete Davies from the GMB said an overtime ban and work-to-rule would begin on 27 July, followed by strike action if the offer was not increased.

Veolia said it was disappointed its pay offer was rejected but disruption would be kept "to a minimum".

The company is contracted by Sheffield City Council to empty bins and provide recycling services.

Mr Davies said: "We're looking for an inflation rise, anything below inflation is a cut, and we want a two-year-deal.

"The very last resort will be calling strike action, but we do have a mandate for that."

A Veolia spokesperson said: "We continue to work with the GMB union and both parties have agreed to involve ACAS in further discussions.

"We would like to reassure residents that collections are still taking place as normal.

"Disruption to the service will be kept to a minimum whilst discussions are ongoing to reach an amicable resolution".

The rate of consumer price index (CPI) inflation was 2.9% in June, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Last year, a three-day walkout was averted after a long-running dispute over pay, which resulted in an increase for the lowest-paid workers, a lump sum settlement for others and changes to the pay structure.