Bins could go uncollected across east Suffolk unless council chiefs put an end to poverty pay, warns UNISON today.
Refuse staff working for East Suffolk Norse are threatening to go on strike if bosses do not deliver a swift pay rise. They have already voted overwhelmingly for action in a consultative ballot.
Staff will now move to a formal industrial action ballot unless Norse and East Suffolk Council make a meaningful offer, says UNISON.
Many workers are earning barely above the minimum wage and struggling to make ends meet, says the union. Staff asked in June for a rise that would take the lowest-paid workers over £12 an hour, but Norse — which is wholly owned by Norfolk County Council — and East Suffolk Council — which retains a direct say in the contract — have yet to respond.
The employer’s feet-dragging is making it harder and harder for staff to make ends meet, says the union. UNISON warns that services are suffering as workers are forced to look for better-paid jobs elsewhere and replacements can’t be found.
UNISON rep Tyler Wythe said: “East Suffolk Norse doesn’t seem to understand the seriousness of the situation we’re in.
“Some of us are forced to rely on family or friends for housing, food banks to eat and loans to pay the bills. We can’t go on like this.
“The last thing any of us want is to strike and cause disruption to east Suffolk residents but we’ve run out of options to make the employers listen.”
UNISON Norfolk County branch secretary Jonathan Dunning said: “All these essential workers are asking for is a deal that addresses low pay.
“It’s up to Norse and East Suffolk Council to come to the table and pay staff something close to what they deserve.”
