RBWM bin collector strikes called off as 'widespread disruption' averted

Bin collectors working in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have called off strike action after union members and their employer reached a pay agreement.

Two-thirds of the RBWM refuse-collecting workforce had been set to walk out for two weeks from Monday, in a move which GMB Union said would cause ‘widespread disruption’.

But a two-year pay settlement has now been agreed between union members and Serco, the contractor working on behalf of the local authority.

A statement from GMB Union regional representative David McMullen said the outcome of a ballot on a new pay deal proposed by Serco had been 64 per cent in favour of acceptance. The ballot had a 90 per cent turnout.

“This will mean we will be cancelling any proposed industrial action,” Mr McMullen added.

A Serco spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to confirm that agreement has been reached on our latest pay offer and planned strike action has been cancelled.”

The Advertiser understands the agreed deal is a five per cent rise for 2025, followed by a 4 per cent rise in 2026.

Threats of strike action erupted after a dispute between Serco and RBWM bin collectors over a proposed 3.5 per cent pay rise this year.

GMB Union claimed the company had withdrawn the offer and reduced it to1.5 per cent when workers proposed a walkout, and accused it of ‘bullying’ tactics in negotiations.

A statement from the union, issued on Friday (September 19) warned residents to expect ‘widespread disruption’ which would ‘leave the King and his neighbours’ bins unemptied’.

“This is one of the most expensive areas in the country to live and the pay offer on the table does not come close to addressing that,” Mr McMullen said in a statement at the time.

“Serco are trying to play hardball by threatening to withdraw the offer if their employees don’t fall in line.

In response to the announcement last week, a spokesperson for Serco said the company was ‘disappointed’ and was ‘doing everything possible to minimise disruption’.

The spokesperson said: “We are disappointed that, despite ongoing discussions, the decision has been taken not to suspend the strike action planned for September 29.

"We continue to work with the GMB in accordance with our national Recognition Agreement framework and urge them to suspend the planned action while talks remain ongoing.

"We apologise to residents who may be affected and want to reassure them that we are doing everything possible to minimise disruption.”

Following the announcement that a settlement had been reached, an RBWM spokesperson told the Advertiser:

"We’re glad to see a resolution to this dispute between Serco and their GMB members, and that any disruption to services has been prevented.

"Regular waste and recycling services will continue as scheduled."

RBWM’s refuse collectors went on strike in 2022, but this was called off after one day of action when Serco agreed an improved pay deal with union members.