Refuse workers win deal

Leeds city council refuse and street cleaning workers have won their 11-week pay dispute (see Labour Research, November 2009, page 5) and voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new deal securing their wages.

Members of local government unions the GMB, and UNISON voted by 79% to accept the new offer and the majority of members now face no pay cuts at all.

The strike by 600 Streetscene refuse workers began on 7 September as a result of the Tory/ Lib Dem council’s plans to cut average wages by a third, from £18,000 to £13,000. This was justified on grounds of compliance with equal pay legislation, but instead of levelling the women workers’ pay up, mens’ wages were levelled down.

UNISON regional organiser Tony Pearson said this was a victory for both UNISON and GMB members who stood shoulder to shoulder for the 11 long weeks.