Staff in the Staffordshire Moorlands area avoid strike action after AES made a new pay offer. A vote will take place.
Unison confirmed the strike threat ended. The workers are in Leek, Biddulph, and Cheadle, working all over the Moorlands area. Talks happened to avert the strike.
AES employs the workers, serving Moorlands and High Peak councils. The workers planned to strike next week, but a better pay offer came after talks. Union members will vote on it.
Strikes could restart if they reject the offer. Staff might walk out March 10 and March 14. Unison said AES workers earn little, just above minimum wage, and the offer may settle things.
Matt Dwyer talked about unfair treatment, noting AES staff do similar jobs to council staff but don’t get the same benefits. This pay offer could boost their earnings and may end the dispute.
Keith McKenzie spoke about low wages and highlighted the vital jobs these workers do, cleaning streets and burying people. He said they work longer and have worse contracts, adding this isn’t fair.
Details about the new pay offer are secret. StokeonTrentLive asked the council for comments and will update you when we know more.