2022 Scotland bin strikes

The 2022 Scotland bin strike was a labour strike by bin workers across Scotland. The workers, represented by the GMB were striking for a pay rise to match that being given to local government workers in the rest of the UK.[1] The strikes began in Edinburgh but spread to other parts of Scotland, affecting 20 of Scotland's 32 council areas.[2][3]

2022 Scotland bin strikes
Part of 2021–present United Kingdom cost of living crisis
Date18 August 2022 – 2 September 2022
Location
Scotland
MethodsStrikes
Parties to the civil conflict
Lead figures
2021–present United Kingdom
cost-of-living crisis
A foodbank donation point in Sainsbury's, Slough, in June 2022
Background
Industrial action
This article is part of
a series about
Nicola Sturgeon
Deputy First Minister of Scotland

First Minister of Scotland

UK General elections

Events

On 18 August, and following a pay dispute with Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), refuse workers belonging to the Unison, Unite and GMB trade unions launched industrial action in Edinburgh. The 12-day strike began as the city played host to the 2022 Edinburgh Festival. The walkout ended at 04:59 on 30 August.[4] The trade unions stated the main reason for strike was due to the UK cost of living crisis.[5]

Residents in Edinburgh were told by Edinburgh City Council to keep all rubbish indoors.[6]

On 29 August, GMB rejected the offer proposed by the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. According to the Scottish Government, the deal included a payment of at least £1,925 for council staff, with those earning £20,000 receiving £2,000.[7]

On 1 September, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon met with council leaders and trade union leaders to resolve the dispute.[8] On 2 September, the strikes were called off by the three unions involved after a 10% pay deal was agreed upon.[9] Sturgeon had previously been criticised for attending Edinburgh Festival events while the strike was ongoing. [10]

Health warning

A health warning was declared by Public Health Scotland due to the build-up of rubbish in urban areas.[11] They also called on local authorities to deep clean public areas.[12]

See also

References
  1. "Edinburgh bin collector strike set to spread across Scotland". ITV News. 24 August 2022. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  2. Andrews, Kieran (30 August 2022). "Mess won't be cleared before the next Scottish bin strikes". ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  3. "Is there a bin strike in my area?". BBC News. 25 August 2022. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  4. "Edinburgh bin workers clear up after 12-day strike". 30 August 2022. Archived from the original on 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  5. "Bin strikes to continue across Scotland as Unite rejects new Cosla pay offer". The National. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  6. "Edinburgh bin strike: Residents told to keep rubbish inside". BBC News. 22 August 2022. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  7. "Bin strikes set to continue as unions reject 'unacceptable' council pay offer". www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com. 29 August 2022. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  8. "Nicola Sturgeon to hold talks over council strikes". BBC News. 1 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 January 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  9. "Unions call off Scottish school and bin strikes". BBC News. 2 September 2022. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  10. "Sturgeon slated for doing Edinburgh Fringe gig while garbage piles in streets". HeraldScotland.
  11. "Public health warning as bin strikes continue". BBC News. 27 August 2022. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  12. Tinney, Aaron (27 August 2022). "Edinburgh may need 'decontaminated' as bin strikes leave it buried under rubbish". Metro. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
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