A REFUSE collection service provider has expressed how ‘disappointed’ they are that strike action will continue to take place next week.

Two more rounds of three-day strike action has been planned from March 30 - April 1 and April 6-8 by GMB union members.

The union members who work for FCC Environment, the company that runs refuse collection on behalf of Barrow Council, have already taken six days’ worth of strike action so far.

GMB Union said workers would accept a 2.8 per cent pay rise - they had previously been asking for three per cent - while they have been offered 2.2 per cent.

GMB Union say the pay rise the workers have been offered would amount to a real-terms pay cut after factoring in increased cost of living.

FCC Environment bosses say that they have made a ‘fair offer’ to workers, and have expressed their disappointment in the decision to continue to take industrial action.

A spokesman for FCC Environment said: “FCC Environment remains disappointed that GMB members have voted to continue strike action.

“The company has made it clear that its fair offer (for April 2021 negotiations) of 2.2 per cent is final and this has been communicated clearly to the GMB to take back to its members. Indeed, lower offers have been accepted by the GMB elsewhere, as have other negotiations across other areas of FCC.

“FCC Environment once again makes it clear that this offer is for 2021 and until this is resolved negotiations for the 2022 pay award cannot begin.”

The company took the time to thank the remaining crew members who have not been taking part in the strikes, praising their ‘good service’.

A spokesman for FCC Environment said: “The business confirmed once again that its crews are working exceptionally hard and are doing everything possible to collect waste and recycling from residents.

“We are proud of our team for carrying on and delivering a good service in trying times.”

Barrow residents should continue to put their bins out even on strike days, though service will be affected.