A POTENTIAL bin strike in west Reading has been averted after union members accepted a 10% pay rise.
Parts of Tilehurst and Calcot fall under West Berkshire Council’s remit, and it has been negotiating with the GMB over renumeration, with a strike threatened for next week.
Had it gone ahead, there would have been two weeks of non-collections.
Originally due to start on Monday, October 9, it was postponed pending talks brokered by ACAS between the GMB and the council’s contractor, Veolia.
The accepted offer is a rise of approximately £1 per hour for most GMB members depending on the job role, an increased Christmas bonus and an extension to when this pay rise would be applied.
David McMullen, GMB Regional Organiser said: “This is a great result for our members, who have stood up for themselves together and managed to secure a large pay increase without having to take a single day of action.
“Going on strike is always the last resort and we are delighted that this result was secured without causing any undue inconvenience to the residents of West Berkshire.
“This does though show the value of being a trade union member, of standing together with your colleagues and of making the right choices when presented with a strike ballot.”
Veolia has been contacted for a comment.
