Parks and cemetery workers in Solihull start week-long strike

The GMB union confirmed on Friday that no further talks were held with the council

Parks, cemetery and public space maintenance workers in Solihull have started a week-long strike in a dispute about pay.

About 50 IDVerde contract workers announced strike action earlier this month following failed talks with Solihull Metropolitan District Council.

On Friday, the GMB Union said no more talks would be held and the strike would go ahead.

A spokesperson for IDVerde said it was "disappointed by the action".

Rebecca Mitchell, GMB organiser, said: "IDVerde is a national contracting giant. To treat local Solihull workers, taxpayers and residents in this way is a disgrace.

Parks and cemetery workers have begun industrial action in a dispute over pay

"During the summer holidays Solihull's public spaces are a refuge to local residents and families. Local maintenance workers make this possible, keeping our public spaces and parks clean and safe for local people.

"IDVerde's actions recklessness will soon leave these parks will quickly become filthy and unusable."

She urged the company get "get back round the table with a solution".

In a statement, IDVerde said: "We are disappointed by the action proposed by some of our colleagues at our Solihull site, as we remain open to constructive discussions and continue to look for a workable solution.

"In the meantime, we would like to put minds at rest that contingency planning and colleagues not taking part in the industrial action will ensure parks, cemeteries and all public areas maintained by idverde will remain open and available to all."