4 July - The opposing point of view
Following the Unite Union’s threat of further bin strikes in Bexley,
CountryStyle has set out what they see as the facts behind the situation. Among
them is that bin men received an increased holiday allowance and their (Serco)
pay demands met in full when the new contractor took over last October and a
further 8% increase was offered in April 2022 with another 5% for 2023.
CountryStyle’s claim is that staff are currently being paid on average
19% more than they were less than a year ago,
So
what is Unite’s gripe this time? That in exchange for extra pay they will no longer bunk off home early
before all their work is done. However the crews do not think it is fair to help out
with rounds that have in some way fallen behind. Specifically collecting bins missed by
their colleagues working similar rounds.
No one is being asked to work longer without payment.
CountryStyle statement in full.