ALLERDALE waste services have ‘strongly refuted’ claims by Unite that they have not acted ‘in good faith’ during talks over bin strikes that have affected residents in recent months.

Unite has warned that the long running refuse collection strike in Workington and the surrounding area will continue indefinitely.

This week, bin workers unanimously rejected Allerdale Waste’s latest offer, saying it did not address the pay issue.

Talks were held on June 7 between the union and Allerdale Waste/Cumberland council.

The union said management became hostile when Unite informed them their offer had been rejected and then the talks collapsed as management refused to consider the union’s counter proposal 'as it was not on the agenda'.

However, Allerdale Waste Management services have said that ‘Unions have not put a formal offer on the table and refused to do so in the meeting’.

Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong said: “Negotiations can only be a success if both sides are willing to act in good faith, at the moment that only applies to Unite.

“Allerdale’s refusal to enter into proper negotiations is preventing a resolution to the dispute and prolonging the misery of local residents. Unite remains prepared to return to talks, anytime, anyplace, anywhere.”

Charles Holmes, Managing Director of Allerdale Waste Services said: It is important to note that AWS staff were already awarded a pay increase of 10.1% from 1 April, which aligns with current inflation rates and is based on the Foundation Living Wage (a higher rate than the National Living Wage).

“If the above offer of paid Bank Holidays was accepted, it would provide an additional 1.6% for both drivers and loaders, bringing the total pay award for 2023/24 to 11.7%, surpassing what Unite and GMB have asked for nationally.

“Despite indicating that they have a proposal, the Trade Unions have not put a formal offer on the table and refused to do so in the meeting this week. This significantly hinders the progress towards a resolution as constructive dialogue requires both parties to put forward proposals and engage in meaningful negotiations.

“We are disappointed with this outcome and strongly refute any suggestion that we have been unwilling to negotiate. Throughout this industrial action, we have maintained an open stance and remained committed to engaging in dialogue with the unions to swiftly resolve the dispute and facilitate the return of our employees to work”.

Allerdale Waste services proposed ‘several’ improvements to terms and conditions, including:

  • Double-time payment and an additional day off in lieu for employees working on certain Bank Holidays, providing four additional days off per leave year for such work.
  • Four additional days of leave for all employees per complete leave year.
  • To alleviate any hardship experienced by striking employees, we proposed deducting pay equally over the June, July, and August salary payments.