Refuse collection workers go head to head with Serco as they plan to strike during Commonwealth Games
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Refuse collection workers in the West Midlands are to strike on the opening week of the Commonwealth Games.
Members of the GMB union will take five days of action – on July 28, when the Games open in Birmingham, July 29 and August 4, 5 and 8.
The union said private contractor Serco, which runs refuse collection services across Sandwell, had offered a real terms pay cut to workers.
Justine Jones, GMB Midlands organiser, said: “Strike action is a last resort, but Serco top brass have forced the hand of hundreds of hard-working local refuse workers.
“Our members have asked for nothing more than a fair pay rise, after keeping communities here in Sandwell clean and safe throughout the pandemic.
“The eyes of the world will be on our area during the Commonwealth Games, it’s a shame that Serco have put the bottom line before their own workforce and community in this way.
“This is a big distraction from the Games and we hope Serco see sense and urgently bring a pay offer to the table that reflects the hard work and dedication of our members.”