Unite, the UK’s leading union, will stage simultaneous demonstrations at the offices of Cumberland council as it intensifies its campaign to resolve the longstanding refuse collection dispute.

When: Tuesday 27 June 11:00

Where: Allerdale House, Workington CA14 3YJ

 There will also be a demonstration at the same time and place outside Cumberland council’s main offices: 111 Botchergate, Carlisle CA1 1RZ.

Unite is actively encouraging members of the public, fellow trade unionists and other supportive groups to join the protests.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Cumberland council needs to come out of hiding. It owns Allerdale Waste Service and it is in its power to resolve this dispute.

"Unite has made it clear that it will intensify activity in order to ensure a pay deal which meets our members’ expectations is made. The bottom line is our members are not prepared to accept poverty pay any longer.”

The workers, who are employed by Allerdale Waste Services, a company that is 100 per cent owned by Cumberland council, have been on all-out strike since 16 May in a dispute over very low pay. The loaders are paid just £10.90 an hour, while the drivers, who must hold an HGV licence, receive £11.89 an hour.

Peace talks in the dispute collapsed earlier this month as a direct result of Allerdale Waste Services refusing to even consider the union’s proposals to resolve the dispute.

Unite regional officer Ryan Armstrong said: “Unite is actively encouraging everyone concerned about the ongoing bin strikes to join the protests.

“It is increasingly obvious that a lack of political will is preventing this dispute from being resolved.”

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

Unite to intensify longstanding Cumbria refuse strike

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235 or 0203 371 2067.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.