Hills Municipal Collections held a further meeting with GMB union and employee representatives on Monday 14 March with initial indications that they were ready to negotiate. Hills tabled a number of structured proposals that looked to address GMB Union’s concerns, based on affordability for the company.

It is regrettable that the GMB Union officials and employee representatives feel unable to take these offers to union members. Hills has shown a willingness to engage with the GMB Union, even during this period when industrial action is taking place, and is willing to continue with negotiations to bring this situation to an agreeable conclusion for all parties, and particularly for those employees taking industrial action or that feel unable to attend work due to picket line activity and who are out of pocket during a time of uncertainty and financial strain.

A spokesperson for Hills Municipal Collections said: “We are disappointed that GMB Union continue to move the goal posts. Their expectations are changing to such a degree it makes reaching a meaningful dialogue very challenging and we are increasingly frustrated with this approach. We are working hard to ensure that all of our employees, whether represented by one of the three unions or not, are treated fairly through this process.

“Subsequent to the meeting, the GMB Union has given notification of further strike action for the period 23 March to 2 April. Despite this we will continue to negotiate with the GMB Union in the spirit of arriving at a mutually agreeable settlement. Hills Municipal Collections teams will work with Wiltshire Council to minimise disruption to household collection services.”

“We are pleased to welcome back to work a number of employees who have been on industrial action and who recognise the 7.1% minimum pay offer as being a fair settlement.”