More than 40 refuse collectors in the east London borough of Havering will walk out from October 26 to 30 in a dispute over working conditions, the Unite union has announced.
The strike involves members working as loaders and drivers at FCC Waste Management, which provides outsourced services for the Reform-led council. The union says the decision follows years of concerns raised with management that have not been addressed, including excessive workloads, fatigue, and hot weather working.
Heatstroke and pay disparities
According to the union, some loaders suffered heatstroke after working through summer heatwaves without having their hours cut, unlike in other boroughs. Unite has also raised concerns over pay, stating that a new starter loader is paid £12.88 an hour, while the equivalent role in neighbouring Redbridge pays £15.72. New drivers in Havering are paid £17.24 compared to £19.89 in Redbridge, the union said.
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 calls for meaningful solution
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.”
The Standard has contacted Havering Council and FCC Waste Management for comment.
