Unison bin workers to go on strike against East Suffolk Council next week

Bin workers in east Suffolk are set to go out on strike next week unless a council and contractor make a better pay offer, union officials have said.

Unison has revealed strike action will begin on November 21, after an overwhelming vote for action last month over 'poverty pay'.

East Suffolk Norse, based in Lowestoft, offered a £1,925 rise to directly-employed local government staff, as well as an additional 75p an hour, but the union said this does not match the cost-of-living.

With an 88 per cent turn-out, 96 per cent of its members agreed to strike.

The union said workers in Havant, Hampshire, are already earning the pay rates workers in East Suffolk have asked for.

Unison organiser Cameron Matthews noted year-upon-year of declining wages has made bin workers in the district struggle to make end meet.

He added: “It can’t be right that people doing exactly the same job for the same employer in Hampshire are earning more than workers here.

“All we’re asking for is a wage that lifts people out of poverty.

"We desperately hope that Norse and the council will come to their senses and offer workers what they’re asking for so they can keep collecting our bins and keep our streets clean.”

East Suffolk Council has been approached for comment.