Wolverhampton waste incinerator workers to go on strike

Workers at Wolverhampton City Council’s Energy from Waste site will take strike action next week over a pay dispute.

GMB union members will down tools between Wednesday 20 and Friday 22 March as the union believes the council is breaching the terms of its contract which guarantees annual pay negotiations.

Workers at the incinerator site, which processes over 100,000 tonnes of household waste each year, are expected to transfer over to a new employer next month.

Wolverhampton Council told TheBusinessDesk.com that plans are in place to make sure the plant can still be safely operated and no other council services will be affected.

Tom Warnett, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “Our members are tired of delays and excuses from the council. Our door is always open and we will remain open to any discussions with the council or with the new employer to resolve this dispute.

“Until then, we will be giving our members the full support of the union as they prepare to take industrial action.

“However if strike action does go ahead, we do not believe the site can be safely or legally operated and will be working with those responsible to ensure that the plant is safely shut off to protect nearby residents and businesses.”

A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said: “The council has been notified by GMB of the strike action by council employees at the EFW plant.

“It is disappointed by their decision to take this action following discussions with GMB on pay issues over the last few months.

“The council and its management contractor have plans in place to ensure that the action does not impact the safe operation of the plant, and that no other council services will be affected.

“There are currently no scheduled meeting with the Union but we are more than willing to enter into meaningful discussions to find a compromise that is acceptable to both parties.”