Wrexham bin strike sparks 13-day walkouts over forced pay cuts

Wrexham bin workers will strike for 13 days due to forced pay cuts from overtime. Union leaders say the council's actions are “disgraceful.”

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Wrexham’s street and refuse workers, who are part of Unite, will strike for 13 days. The strike will happen from 23 August to 14 November. They are protesting a new overtime scheme that cuts their take-home pay.

Sharon Graham, Unite's chief officer, says, “No employee should accept forced changes to their job routines or lose their hard-earned pay.” She calls the council’s method “shameful.””

About 100 workers supported the action, with 71% voting in favor. Unite says this strike is due to changes made without discussion. Now, staff must work Saturdays and lose half a day's pay under the new rules.

Alwyn Jones, the interim chief executive of Wrexham Council, says staff input played a role in the 2024/25 budget talks. He adds that the changes are part of a bigger plan. This plan aims to maintain services during tough financial times and rising Council Tax pressures.

“No worker should accept forced changes. Wrexham Council has acted disgracefully,” – Sharon Graham.

This standoff shows deeper issues in local government. Low-paid frontline staff make as little as £25,583. They resist cuts that threaten their fragile overtime income. Meanwhile, the council wants to save £100,000 through efficiency changes.

As winter approaches, the stakes get higher. Bin collections often rise, so disruptions can cause rubbish to pile up at residents' doors. This could increase public frustration in other councils dealing with staffing and pay issues.

Negotiators now face a narrowing window. If talks don’t start again, the walkouts might last into a key time for waste management. This could lead to chaos and political issues. Wrexham could face a situation like Birmingham, which is struggling with its refuse crisis.

"Wrexham’s bin strike is not just a local labour dispute—it’s a warning signal. When councils push frontline workers too hard and don’t communicate, industrial action may be the only way to relieve the pressure. The wider consequence: service breakdown when residents can least afford it."

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