Victory for Coventry bin workers

The bin dispute which began in January has now ended with a pay rise for the drivers worth up to 12.9%, which is worth an estimated £3,600 per year in their pay packets.

The deal also includes Christmas bonuses worth some £4,000, and disciplinary charges against Unite Shop Steward Pete Randle dropped.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said, “This win shows the new direction of Unite. We will defend our members pay and conditions, however long it takes. This continuous action has delivered real terms pay increases for our members.

“This deal represents a fair and just pay award and all charges against our victimised rep have now been dropped,” she added.

“It is quite frankly wrong that our members were forced to take this action against a Labour Council, but Unite will always back its members against any employer who refuses to negotiate,” Graham went on to say. “I am very proud of our reps and members today.”

Unite’s National Officer Onay Kasab added, “Unite members relied on the strength of collective action which has secured yet another win for workers. Congratulations to the Coventry HGV strikers!”

Unite members have voted to end the strike after securing an agreement which includes a pay increase of up to 12.9% – worth more than £3600 pa; an increased rate for new starters equivalent to 8% – worth more than £1850 pa; a lump sum for workers volunteering for new Christmas working arrangements equivalent to up to 16% – potentially worth £4000, and confirmation that no disciplinary action will be taken against Unite Representative Peter Randle.

By Barckley Sumner