The leader of Northumberland Labour has said refuse workers should have "fair pay" for a "hard days work" amid ongoing union talks. UNISON says refuse workers are paid less in Northumberland compared to neighbouring authorities despite carrying out similar work.
Pay gap with neighbouring councils
Refuse loaders in Northumberland are paid between £24,027 and £25,185 according to recent job adverts. In comparison, Newcastle City Council pays out £27,274-£28,153 and Durham County Council pays £26,403 – £28,598.
The union has said it has held "constructive" talks with the county council amid concerns over the level of pay staff receive.
Labour leader's statement
Labour leader Coun Scott Dickinson said the council's workers shouldn't be paid less than those in other nearby councils. He said: "Looking after your workforce and ensuring people receive fair pay for a hard day’s work should be paramount for any responsible employer. Our refuse workers provide an essential frontline service."
"They are out in our communities every day, in all weathers, doing a physically demanding job that every household in Northumberland relies upon. Yet UNISON tells us that people doing these jobs in Northumberland are being paid less than those carrying out similar work at every other council in the North East.
"That raises a very simple question for the Conservative administration running Northumberland County Council: why should our workers be worth less? They shouldn’t be.
"This isn’t about asking for special treatment. It is about fairness, respect and recognising the contribution people make through a hard day’s work.
"I welcome the fact that talks have been constructive. But the administration now needs to demonstrate that it is listening to its workforce and is serious about addressing the concerns that have been raised.
"As the opposition, Labour will continue to highlight this issue and hold the administration to account. We want to see constructive discussions result in meaningful action.
"The people who keep Northumberland’s essential services running deserve to know that their employer values them. Fair pay for a hard day’s work shouldn’t be too much to ask."
Council response
The issue was also raised by Independent councillor Derek Kennedy in the summer. Coun Kennedy questioned whether the pay was appropriate amid high levels of staff sickness that were leading to missed collections and complaints. He said the council was recruiting at minimum wage, which he described as a "small sum" for a "strenuous job".
Responding to Coun Dickinson's comments, a spokesman for Northumberland County Council said: "We value the contribution of our refuse workforce and remain committed to constructive, resolution-focused discussions with our recognised trade unions to ensure the concerns raised are considered through the appropriate channels."
"We are currently engaging with all of our refuse workforce across the county to outline the formal process, procedures and timescales that will be followed in response to the concerns being raised. We are confident that a positive outcome can be achieved that will benefit staff and further improve the essential services they provide."
