'Great win for Biffa members'

Planned refuse collection strikes by members of Unite employed by Biffa on the outsourced Manchester council contract have been called off following an improved pay offer.

The strikes were due to begin next Tuesday (May 3), however following the announcement of industrial action, fresh negotiations were held and a vastly improved offer was made which Unite’s members accepted overwhelmingly.

The two year deal will see notable increases for all the workforce with the lowest paid seeing their pay increase by over 11 per cent. The drivers who hold a HGV licence will see their pay increase by 22 per cent.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This is a great win for our members at Biffa. Their unity secured this improved pay increase.

“At a time of punishing living costs, this deal further demonstrates Unite’s total commitment to improving the pay and conditions of its members.”

As part of the deal, Biffa has agreed to further review pay rates this autumn if inflation “stays at an exceptionally high level”.

Unite regional officer Tanya Sweeney added, “From the beginning Unite made it clear that this dispute could and should be resolved by Biffa returning to the negotiating table and making an offer that our members could accept. Once Biffa fully understood the strength of feeling among our members that is what occurred.”

The GMB union was also involved in the dispute.

By Barckley Sumner