The Isle of Wight's bin provider has reacted to comments from refuse workers as the threat of an Island-wide bin strike looms.
It comes after proposals for a worker ballot for industrial action due to what the company labelled 'a below inflationary pay rise'.
Amey says workers were told if they wanted better pay, they should 'travel to the mainland'.
Read more: Isle of Wight faces bin strike
The IW Council statement says:
"We are aware that our business partner Amey is a Real Living Wage Employer (which has) provided staff with favourable pay increases every year of the contract to date.
"The men and woman (sic) delivering our waste collection and treatment services have worked incredibly hard over the pandemic to keep our waste and recycling collected and our public spaces clear.
"We cannot thank them enough for the dedication and determination they have shown for our community."
An Amey Spokesperson said:
“We have offered a pay increase of 4.21%, in line with the Real Living Wage increase that came into effect on April 1, the salary package our staff receive is enhanced with pay on bank holidays and available overtime.
“Since Amey took on the contract, in November 2015, wages for our drivers have increased 27%, but the request of an additional increase in wages of more than 30% in 2022 is fundamentally unsustainable.
"We will do everything we can to avoid strike action and continue to talk to our employees to ensure they are supported and kept informed.”
Workers earlier declared themselves 'incensed' when they discovered the increase offered only took their pay up to the rates advertised for ‘trainees’ on the mainland.
The strike ballot opens tomorrow (Friday May 13) and closes on May 27.
Cowes Cocktail Bar Set For Alfresco Development
Have Your Say On Isle Of Wight Dementia Care And Support
His Majesty The King Recognises Cowes RNLI Crew For Their Service
Northwood Parish Council In Speed Reduction Proposal For Busy Road
Contentious Healthfield Campsite Development Freshwater Plans Resubmitted
RSPCA Reveals Shocking 25% Increase In Pet Neglect Reports Compared To Last Year
Christmas Waste And Recycling Details For Isle Of Wight
Shanklin's Luccombe Manor Granted Expansion Approval
Joe Robertson Calls For Freeze In Parking Fares Following Small Business Saturday
Woman In Hospital After Being Hit By Bus In Newport
French Franks Ryde Expansion Plans Revealed
Emergency Services Called To Brading Bridleway Crash
Thousands Of Pounds Worth Of Drugs Off Streets In Hampshire And The Isle Of Wight
Mixed Feedback For Proposed 14-House Northwood Development
Investigation Underway After Ryde Fire Leaves Property Severely Damage
Lord Louis Library 'Sharing The Light' In Nationwide Show Of Solidarity
Embracing Age Supporting Care Home Residents Without Family Or Suffering Isolation This Month
Isle Of Wight Gym Scoops Prestigious National Fitness Industry Award
Wightlink Releases Storm Darragh Travel Statement
Drug Supply Lines Disrupted On Isle Of Wight During National Week Of Intensification
