Bin strike: GMB union to meet RCT leader for talks
- Published
Rubbish piled up during the seven week strike
Last minute talks have been agreed in a bid to avert bin workers striking.
The GMB union will meet for talks on Wednesday, 20 July, with Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan.
If talks fail 130 employees could go out for a first day of striking on July 30.
About 108,000 homes could be left without rubbish collections after 95% of GMB members at RCT council voted in May to support industrial action.
The GMB's Gareth Morgans, said: "We welcome these eleventh hour talks to try and salvage the situation.
"We're not that far away from a deal, so long as RCT are willing to listen and act on our concerns.
"This group of workers has been grossly underpaid ever since a job evaluation in 2011, and the pandemic and current cost of living crisis have brought this to the fore.
"It's time they were listened to."
The union said over the last decade local government staff have seen wages cut by about 25% in real terms.
Rhondda Cynon Taf council's deputy leader, Maureen Webber, said the council was increasing pay in some jobs by 14%.
Staff who work as "loaders" would see salaries increase by £1,240 and drivers' pay would increase by £3,000.
Ms Webber said recent changes agreed by the council had increased pay for 2,351 staff.
Some other workers would see salary increases of £808, and those who also work bank holidays will see an annual increase of about £1,200.
Ms Webber added: "We are disappointed that the threat of strike action remains on the table, and the inevitable disruption it could cause to residents."
She welcomed the GMB's decision to delay industrial action and return to the table for discussions.
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