End to Waste Dispute In South Tyneside

The GMB union has stood down all mandates for further industrial action bringing an end to the waste services dispute in South Tyneside.

Despite standing down strike action earlier this month (July), the GMB had two outstanding 'dispute' ballots in place - one running to October 2024 and a second in place until December 2024.

The GMB has now confirmed in writing to the Council that its members have voted to end the disputes and that both mandates are being withdrawn and removed bringing an end to all industrial action.

An Action Plan agreed by all parties in April 2024 is already being implemented to bring about improvements to service delivery on key areas such as rebalancing the collection routes, improving PPE, increased engagement and improved communication.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "I know that many residents will be tired of months of communication, service changes and disruption. I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding whilst these important matters were worked through.

"I can now say with confidence that we have reached a resolution and there will be no further strike action. We are united in our efforts to improve waste services and get collections back to normal. We are already seeing improvements, and I know our residents will be too.

"We have never stepped away from dialogue and have done everything we can to end this dispute permanently. Whilst this has been a lengthy and protracted process, it was important that matters raised by the workforce were properly considered. We have gone to great lengths to listen to their concerns and address them - concerns that I heard first-hand while directly engaging with the workforce and GMB."

Industrial action has disrupted waste collections for nine months, since November 2023.

The Council and workforce are now working through route optimisation in a bid to catch up during the rolling service arrangements with an aim to move back to a normal collection pattern for both waste types by the end of the summer period.

There is no change to operational advice at this stage. Residents are advised to put out both bins every day except Sunday until one is collected. This is so that catch up crews can collect bins that were not collected on the planned round. It is anticipated that this will continue for the next few weeks, until crews are fully caught up.

Route optimisation is something that the workforce specifically requested as part of the agreed Action Plan and work continues on implementation.

For further information about the Waste Services dispute visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk