More than 40 refuse collectors in the east London borough of Havering are set to walk out from October 26-30 in a dispute over working conditions.
The strike involves members working as loaders and drivers at FCC Waste Management, which provides outsourced services for the Reform-led council, according to the Unite union.
Union cites workload and heat concerns
Unite says the decision to strike follows years of concerns raised with management that have not been addressed, including excessive workloads, fatigue and working in hot weather.
According to the union, some loaders suffered heatstroke after working through summer heatwaves without having their hours cut, unlike in other boroughs.
Pay gap with neighbouring borough
The union has also raised concern over pay, saying a new starter loader is paid £12.88 an hour, while the equivalent role in neighbouring Redbridge is £15.72. New drivers in Havering are paid £17.24 compared to £19.89 in Redbridge.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Bin workers do a difficult and dirty job which is essential for the local community in Havering.
“They deserve to be treated with respect and FCC can't keep kicking these serious concerns from its workforce down the road. These must be addressed now and our members there have our full backing during this dispute.”
Union and council statements
Unite regional officer Nick West said: “Our members don't want residents to face disruption to bin collections, but it is the consequence of FCC failing to resolve these problems.
“Residents are already paying for this service through their council tax. They deserve a service that works and workers deserve decent pay and conditions in which to deliver it. FCC can resolve this dispute, but it relies on it taking these problems seriously and working with the union to find a meaningful solution.”
An FCC spokesperson said: “FCC Environment has met with Unite and discussions are ongoing as we work towards reaching a resolution. Our door remains open to further direct discussions with the union, and we hope that constructive dialogue can continue. We do not intend to conduct negotiations through the media and will therefore not be commenting further at this stage.”
Councillor Martynas Cekavicius, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Public Realm, said: “Havering Council is aware of the ongoing discussions between FCC and Unite regarding a number of issues raised by union members.
“While these discussions continue, the Council strongly urges both FCC and the Union to work constructively towards an amicable resolution as soon as possible, in the interests of employees and to minimise the risk of disruption to local residents and essential services.
“The Council will remain in close contact with FCC as discussions progress and will continue to monitor the situation.
“We hope that both parties can reach a positive outcome through dialogue and negotiation, avoiding any unnecessary impact on residents.”
