Allerdale Waste Services (AWS) has been informed of further strike action by the UNITE and GMB Trade Unions, beginning tomorrow (Tuesday 16 May) for an unconfirmed period, due to an ongoing pay dispute.
On 1 April 2023, AWS employees received a 10.1% pay rise based on the Foundation Living Wage, higher than the National Living Wage. This represents a 21.1% increase for loaders and a 23.9% increase for drivers since AWS took over the waste contract in 2020. The trade unions balloted their members for strike action, demanding up to a 32.6% pay increase, which AWS cannot afford.
It is important to note that AWS employees have salaries comparable to or higher than other waste services within the Cumberland area. A 32.6% pay increase would be financially unfeasible and create disharmony in other service areas.
Residents and businesses are advised to continue presenting their domestic waste for collection, and AWS aims to collect as much as possible. If a bin is not collected on the scheduled day, residents should bring it back in, and collection will be prioritised the next time.
During the industrial action, recycling, paper and card, and garden waste collections are suspended. Residents can use the Bring Sites in the area for recycling glass, cans, plastics, paper, and card. These sites will be serviced more regularly. Details of these sites can be found on the Cumberland Council website.
Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) are also available for waste and recyclable disposal, including green waste. Site locations and opening times are provided on the Cumberland Council website. Permits are required for van, pickup, flatbed, or twin-axle trailer use at HWRCs. Details can again be found on the Cumberland Council website.
Charles Holmes, Managing Director of Allerdale Waste Services, expressed disappointment in the Union's decision for further strike action. He highlighted the 10.1% pay rise already awarded to employees, which equates to an annual salary of £27,508 for drivers and £22,165 for loaders. The requested 32.6% increase for drivers and 19.2% increase for loaders is unaffordable for AWS.
Charles added: “We have been in dialogue with Union representatives and ACAS in an attempt to resolve the matter and avoid strikes. This has proved unsuccessful to date. To minimise the impact on residents and businesses we implemented contingency plans which has seen collection crews able to pick up around 90% of residual waste during the strike period, through our weekly collection service. We know this means that some bins have unfortunately been missed and we apologise for the inconvenience this is causing and ask that residents represent their bins the following week and they will be prioritised for collection. We thank the public for remaining patient during this challenging time.”
Allerdale Waste Services is a wholly owned trading company of Cumberland Council, providing waste collection services. The workforce is directly employed by AWS. This industrial action does not affect waste services in the Carlisle and Copeland areas.
More information and frequently asked questions can be found on the Cumberland Council website.
