The following statement has been issued by Hills Municipal Collections in response to notification from GMB Union of a ballot of union members at municipal waste depots:

Hills Municipal Collections Limited is disappointed that the GMB Union have elected to ballot their members on industrial action at this time. Hills Municipal Collections has not had an opportunity to meet with any GMB Union representative regarding the current pay review.

Hills Municipal Collections would welcome the opportunity to hold constructive and meaningful negotiations as set out in correspondence to the GMB Union on 19 January and awaits their response, following which the company can hope to resolve the matter.