REFUSE collectors who are preparing to strike once again this week are being met with support by Barrow residents.

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.

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.”

Readers came out in support of the workers.

Mandy Btuc said: “Solidarity from Barrow Trades Union Council to the FCC workers taking strike action. The pay offer is derisory, and the amount these low-paid workers are asking for is very modest. Come on, FCC - you can easily end this dispute.”

Garry Glew said: “Inflation is currently running at 6.2 per cent so why do you imagine that they will accept your derisory offer of about a third of that?”

Ivy Brookes said: “So when is the recycling getting empty as people are dumping stuff now.”

David Cassidy said: “I fully support you my brothers and sisters.”

Charlie Dowthwaite said: “Good on these refuse collectors for continuing their industrial action in support of a decent pay rise, in fact they should be fighting for more than just three per cent. I stand in solidarity with the refuse collectors.”

Some readers questioned why the bin strikes only take place from Wednesday-Friday.

Qball said: “Why won't they take strike action on Mondays and Tuesdays?”

CSL11! Said: “I wonder if the bin men striking get their bins collected on those days.”