South Gloucestershire facing ‘stinky summer’ during Suez bin strikes

Around 150 workers employed by Suez who empty bins for South Gloucestershire Council are set to begin industrial action. 

This will begin on Monday, June 12 through Sunday, June 18, and once more from June 26 through July 9.

If the dispute is not resolved, Unite says this industrial action will intensify over the summer.

Unite says that of the 100 staff who voted to strike, 89 per cent agreed after rejecting an eight per cent pay offer from global waste company Suez

The union claims that with the company bringing in £80.8m in 2021 after inflation, this is a significant real term pay cut.

Currently, bin loaders in South Gloucestershire earn £11.53 per hour.

Meanwhile, SGC has urged residents to keep putting out black bins, recycling, food and green waste out as normal on usual collection days. 

Statement by Unite 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Suez is an extremely profitable company but is offering these workers a real terms pay cut during the worst cost of living crisis in generations."

Unite regional officer Ken Fish said: “Our members have been forced to take action because Suez refuses to table a reasonable pay offer. South Gloucestershire’s residents are facing a stinky summer because of Suez's greed.

“This is a lucrative contract and the council needs to intervene and force Suez to put forward a fair offer to our members.”

Statement by South Gloucestershire Council 

A SGC spokesperson said: “We are aware of the planned industrial action and are working closely with Suez to ensure that they have appropriate plans in place to minimise any disruption to waste services in the area. 

“We will keep residents updated if we become aware of any changes to collections and/or services.”

“The planned industrial action is by staff employed directly by Suez and as such pay negotiations are the responsibility of Suez.”

Statement by Suez 

A spokesperson for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said: “We have offered our teams working on our contract with South Gloucestershire Council an 8% pay increase for 2023 which, when combined with the similar pay increase agreed in 2022, delivers pay increases of 15 – 16.75% over 2 years.

"Industrial action is the very last outcome we want to see - we still believe our offer is a competitive one and our door remains open to Unite Trade Union.

“However, with talks currently stalled, we are developing contingency arrangements with the Council so that we can minimise disruption for local communities.”

Council advice during strikes affecting waste collections

A council document reads: “We are sorry for any inconvenience caused as a result of the industrial action.

“Please put out black bins, recycling, food and green waste out as normal on your usual collection day.

“Staffing levels for that week are unknown but we will do our best to collect what we can.

“However, if any items are not collected by 6pm, please bring them back in and present them again on your next scheduled collection day. 

“If the green bin collection is affected the period of your garden waste service will be extended. You do not have to contact us to request this.

“To be able to prioritise your household collection services on that week we are sorry but The Revive shop at Thornbury Sort It Centre will be closed.

“Container deliveries and bulky waste collections will also be suspended.

“We will keep our website updated on the services available during the industrial action.”