Northampton bin strike called off after union wins ‘signifcant’ new pay deal from Veolia

Bin collectors in Northampton have called off a proposed strike after winning what workers have called a “significant” new pay deal. But they have now accepted a new offer which will see loaders paid GBP10 per hour and drivers GBP12.

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Bin collectors have called off planned strike action in Northampton after agreeing a pay deal with Veolia

Importantly, the two-year deal will also increase with inflation next year. Union organiser Dave Warwick said today: “GMB members have stood together and won a significant pay deal.

“This extra money in their pay packets will help them make ends meet during this crushing cost of living crisis. “The workers should be very proud of themselves – and Veolia must be congratulated for listening to them.” GMB claimed West Northamptonshire Council, which is ultimately responsible for bin collections, increased Veolia’s funding by 5.5 percent this year but said the company did not pass that on to workers.

West Northamptonshire took over responsibility for waste services from the former borough council as part of the local government shake-up last year.

Councillors announced a ten-year deal worth around GBP130 million with the French-owned company in January 2018 to provide waste services in Northampton.

Collections in the former South Northamptonshire and Daventry areas are run under separate contracts and would not have been affected by the Northampton dispute.