Statement from Charles Holmes, Managing Director of Allerdale Waste Services, on the Ongoing Industrial Action
I would like to provide an update on the recent efforts to resolve the ongoing industrial action affecting Allerdale Waste Services (AWS) and the discussions held with the UNITE and GMB Union representatives.
Representatives from AWS and Cumberland Council met with the union representatives on Thursday 1 June, to address the current dispute and explore potential solutions. This is not the first meeting to try and resolve this, in fact, before the strike action began, on 24 April, we proposed an additional two days annual leave to the entire workforce which was flatly rejected by the Unions. During the meeting last week, we discussed the proposed review of waste and recycling, as outlined in a letter sent to the workforce last month. We also took the opportunity to address questions raised by the unions.
To work towards a resolution, we presented several improvements in terms and conditions for consideration by the unions. These included the following:
- Double-time payment and an additional day off in lieu for employees working on certain Bank Holidays, providing four additional days off per leave year for such work.
- Four additional days of leave for all employees per complete leave year.
- To alleviate any hardship experienced by striking employees, we proposed deducting pay equally over the June, July, and August salary payments.
It is important to note that AWS staff were already awarded a pay increase of 10.1% from 1 April, which aligns with current inflation rates and is based on the Foundation Living Wage (a higher rate than the National Living Wage). If the above offer of paid Bank Holidays was accepted, it would provide an additional 1.6% for both drivers and loaders, bringing the total pay award for 2023/24 to 11.7%, surpassing what Unite and GMB have asked for nationally.
Following these discussions, a further meeting was held with the Trade Unions on Tuesday 6 June. Regrettably, we were informed that the proposals put forward by AWS were rejected by 100% of the Union Membership, and the strike action will continue.
Despite indicating that they have a proposal, the Trade Unions have not put a formal offer on the table and refused to do so in the meeting this week. This significantly hinders the progress towards a resolution as constructive dialogue requires both parties to put forward proposals and engage in meaningful negotiations.
We are disappointed with this outcome and strongly refute any suggestion that we have been unwilling to negotiate. Throughout this industrial action, we have maintained an open stance and remained committed to engaging in dialogue with the unions to swiftly resolve the dispute and facilitate the return of our employees to work.
Our priority remains the well-being of our employees and the provision of essential waste services to the community. We will continue to pursue discussions with the unions in a sincere effort to find common ground and bring an end to the industrial action as soon as possible.
We appreciate the patience and understanding of the residents and businesses affected by this situation. Updates regarding any further developments will be provided in due course.
