Key Points
- Bin collectors in Waltham Forest have voted to strike in December over unsatisfactory pay.
- Refuse workers outsourced to FCC Environment have rejected pay rises of 2.8% and 3.2%.
- 97% of union members who voted backed the strike; turnout was 58%.
- Bin collectors’ pay ranges from £21,867 to £39,335 annually, with some up to £51,220.
- GMB union highlights poor pay, inadequate facilities, and insufficient water supplies at the depot.
- FCC Environment remains open to talks but refuses media negotiations.
- Waltham Forest Council urges both sides to resolve the dispute swiftly.
- Workers are contracted by FCC Environment and not employed directly by the council.
What is the reason for the Waltham Forest bin collectors’ strike?
As reported by Tom Barnes of MyLondon, bin collectors across Waltham Forest have voted overwhelmingly to strike in December due to what they claim is unsatisfactory pay from their employer, FCC Environment. The outsourced refuse workers, represented by the GMB union, have endured months of pay disputes that have yet to be resolved.
The strike vote followed two rejected pay offers: an initial 2.8% increase and a subsequent improved proposal of 3.2%, both declined by union members. Mary Goodson, a GMB regional organiser, stated:
“This strike vote is the culmination of months of subpar pay offers. Our members have told FCC Environment that enough is enough. They want a proper pay uplift, which reflects their hard work and the high cost of living.”
How significant was the strike ballot result?
Journalist Sarah Johnson of the East London Tribune reports that of those union members balloted, 97% voted in favour of strike action. However, turnout was 58%, with approximately one third of the workforce unionised under GMB. The overwhelming majority signals strong dissatisfaction among workers, intensifying pressure on FCC Environment during ongoing negotiations.
What are the current pay levels and conditions for bin collectors in Waltham Forest?
Data from industry pay scales show that bin collectors in London generally earn between £21,867 and £39,335 per year, averaging around £29,328 or approximately £14 per hour. Top earners, particularly those with driving roles or extensive experience, can reach salaries up to £51,220 annually.
Union member Gary Bering expressed frustrations to the local press:
“We are tired of FCC’s poor pay and conditions. We do a vital job for the borough, come rain or shine. The least we deserve is a decent pay packet so we can pay our bills.”
GMB has also raised additional concerns over “inadequate” staff facilities at the waste depot and “insufficient” water supplies, which have contributed to growing discontent among employees.
How has FCC Environment responded to the strike threat?
A spokesperson for FCC Environment told the London Evening Standard through journalist James Murray: “Our door remains open to talks.” However, the company emphasised it would not “negotiate through the media,” indicating a preference for direct discussions rather than public debate.
What is the Waltham Forest Council’s position in the dispute?
Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest Council, explained to the local news outlet Waltham Forest Today:
“We are disappointed by the lack of a resolution to this long-running pay negotiation, despite changes made to the previous offer made by FCC. We urge both parties to continue with the dialogue that has seen improvements made to the offer so far.”
He clarified that the council itself is not involved in direct pay talks since the workers are employed by FCC Environment, not the local authority.
“But what we do want to see is both sides come to a swift resolution so that any back pay now building up can be included in pay packets in time for Christmas,” he added.
Although the council manages waste services in the borough, collections are carried out by contracted staff, making this dispute between FCC Environment and its employees.
What impact could the strike have on waste collection in East London?
If the strike proceeds, residents of Waltham Forest could face disruptions in bin collections during December, a critical month for waste volume due to increased household activity over the holiday season. This may cause delays and potential public dissatisfaction, adding urgency to resolving the dispute.
How does this dispute fit into broader pay and working condition debates?
The Waltham Forest bin collectors’ strike mirrors wider national tensions in the refuse and public services sectors, where workers demand pay that keeps up with inflation and improved on-site conditions. With the cost of living rising, industrial action in essential services continues to be a focal point in labour relations.
