Allerdale Waste Services (AWS) is pleased to announce the successful resolution of the recent industrial action that has impacted on the waste and recycling collection services in the former Allerdale area.
The strike was initiated by UNITE and GMB Trade Unions to advocate for pay parity between AWS employees and former Copeland Waste Services staff, who are now part of Cumberland Council.
At a meeting on Thursday 17 August, supported by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), a mutually acceptable agreement has been reached which includes increases to pay rates along with a reduction to working hours.
Charles Holmes, Managing Director of Allerdale Waste Services, added:
"The successful resolution of this industrial action is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all parties involved. We have upheld our principles of open dialogue and have worked to find a fair and sustainable agreement.
“I would very much like to thank the team here at Allerdale Waste Services who have worked tirelessly over the past few months to continue to collect household waste throughout this period of Industrial Action.
“I am confident that this resolution will allow us to continue providing excellent waste collection services while respecting the contributions of all our valued employees. Work will now commence to safely reintroduce all waste collection services in a phased approach over the coming weeks. Further details for residents will be available online soon.”
In tandem with the resolution, council officers are carrying out a comprehensive review of waste collection services throughout the entire Cumberland area. This review will encompass all aspects of service provision, including the terms and conditions of all staff. Employees and union representatives will be actively involved in this review process.