Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Whilst it is helpful that the government finally realised after weeks that they have a role in this dispute, the constant attacks and briefings against these low paid bin workers is frankly a disgrace.

“It is important to reiterate the truth, as opposed to the lies being peddled in an attempt to distract. 
“This dispute is not about greed, or increased pay. This dispute is about workers losing up to £8,000 of their pay – which for some is almost a quarter.

“Whilst after many weeks there has now been a partial deal on pay protection for a few, it still leaves these workers worrying about how they are going to pay their mortgages and rent payments in a few months’ time. For the drivers, they are still unaware what their drop in pay will be but the council have muted that this could also be around £8,000.

“Of course, these workers are in the driving seat around what they wish to accept. Indeed, there is another ballot happening by close of play on Monday. Unite backs these workers 100 per cent.
 
“Rather than vilifying their low paid employees, the council should look seriously at the KC approved offer that Unite has put forward, which deals with the issues and gives these workers and their families dignity and security.  

“A notable point was made by one of our members, which Unite believes sums up where we are with this council and could be with others: ‘The council are saying that we should share the pain but not one councillor, including the leader of the council, has been asked to give up a quarter of their pay. We thought when Labour came in they would stop what was happening, we were wrong.’”

ENDS

For media enquires ONLY contact senior Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215 or 020 3371 2065.

Email: ryan.fletcher@unitetheunion.org

Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.