Refuse and park workers to take strike action in Solihull

Refuse workers, street cleaners and grounds maintenance workers are set to strike in Solihull, following an ongoing dispute over pay.

Beginning today (September 4), refuse and street cleaning staff employed by Veolia and grounds, park and cemetery workers employed by Idverde will walk out for a week, after talks collapsed.

GMB union says the news comes after both companies failed to bring an offer to the table in line with inflation.

Rebecca Mitchell, GMB Organiser, said: “Solihull Borough Council is facing a contractors crisis, with staff on two of their biggest maintenance contracts downing tools for a second week.

“Idverde have already seen a week of disruption, impacting Solihull’s parks in one of the busiest periods. Now Veolia too are feeling forced to take strike action as a cost-of-living crisis drives their living standards down.

“Solihull workers deserve so much better than poverty pay from contracting giants only interested in making a profit at the expense of local tax payers.”

A Veolia spokesperson said: “Following discussions, we made a further pay and conditions offer to the GMB union which reflected the hard work of our collection crews and street cleansing teams in Solihull.

“We would like to apologise to any residents affected and remain committed to finding a solution with our teams”.

Idverde told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We are disappointed that a resolution has not been found to date but we remain open to constructive discussions that recognise the hard work of our teams.”