There is just one week left before the Isle of Wight discovers if its refuse collectors are to support a walkout over pay rates.

GMB Union members among Isle of Wight Council's waste contractor's employees are being balloted, until May 27.

As previously reported by the County Press, Amey's bin lorry teams could be in line for strike action close to Isle of Wight Festival weekend.

If there is enough support, a walkout could take place as early as June 13.

The Isle of Wight Festival is scheduled to take place over the weekend June 16-19. However, its organisers say any possible action will not impact it. 

A statement to the CP read: "Regardless of whether Amey employees go on strike, the Isle of Wight Festival's refuse and waste plan will be fulfilled."

Why are Isle of Wight refuse collectors being balloted over strike action?

On the Island, GMB wants its loaders and pickers to get £12.50 per hour, cage drivers and all driver and grab operatives to get £13.25 per hour and HGV drivers to get £15 per hour.

On May 4, in Northampton, in the Midlands, strike action was called off when GMB members accepted a new deal which will see loaders paid £10 per hour and drivers paid £12 per hour.  

What have those involved in the Isle of Wight bin collectors' pay negotiations said?

GMB Union has accused Amey of having 'no plans to enter meaningful negotiations', while Amey insists it is engaging with employees to try to avert any possible strike action. 

Both sides have accused the other of being misleading.

Amey insists no Recognition Agreement, which names staff members who can negotiate over pay and conditions, nor collective bargaining agreement, which allows workers to negotiate as a group, is in place.

Gary Palmer, GMB Regional Organiser said: "The current imposed 4.21 per cent pay increase on what are already low paid jobs at Amey is in fact a pay cut and totally dismissive of the daily struggle our [Isle of Wight] members have just surviving and living within workplace poverty.

"GMB members don’t want to strike...the fact is that they will, because they can’t afford not to." 

An Amey spokesperson said: "Amey is in positive direct dialogue with our employees on the Isle of Wight contract and we are confident we can reach an agreement on this issue without resorting to such action.

"Amey provides services for the Isle of Wight Festival outside of the contract that it holds with the Isle of Wight Council and potential strike action would not affect our delivery. Amey has established routes of communication with the organisers of the festival to ensure they are kept informed.

"We fully appreciate the critical role our employees play and are committed to supporting them through this process while ensuring there will be no disruption to our services.”