Refuse workers have suspended next week’s strikes in Breckland and North Norfolk after contractor Serco improved its pay offer, UNISON says today.
Bin collectors, street cleaners, grounds maintenance and toilet cleaners across the two council areas were due to walk out from Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 April in a long-running dispute over low wages.
But after months of refusing to take workers’ claim seriously, Serco finally offered an improved two-year deal in a meeting today (Thursday), says UNISON.
Industrial action is now paused while workers in both councils vote on whether to accept the new offer over the next fortnight.
UNISON Eastern regional organiser Cameron Matthews said: “Refuse, grounds, street cleaning and cleansing staff have fought hard to get Serco to cough up more cash, after the multimillion-pound company spent months pleading poverty.
“We’re glad the firm has finally come up with an offer that is worth putting to the workers. It’s now up to staff to decide whether to accept or push on with more industrial action.”
