Bin collectors in the East London borough of Waltham Forest are set to walk out in December, escalating a long-running dispute over what they describe as unsatisfactory pay and conditions.
The Pay Dispute Behind the Strike
Outsourced refuse workers, employed by contractor FCC Environment, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action. This decision follows months of failed negotiations, during which workers rejected two consecutive pay offers from their employer.
The dispute began in the summer when members of the GMB union turned down an initial pay increase of 2.8%. A subsequent improved offer of 3.2% was also rejected by the workforce. In a formal ballot, 97% of participating GMB members voted to strike, with a turnout of 58%.
According to industry data, bin collectors in London typically earn an average salary of around £29,328 per year, or approximately £14 per hour. Pay can range from £21,867 for entry-level roles to over £51,220 for experienced workers in specialised positions such as lorry drivers.
Voices from the Frontline
Union representatives and workers have expressed firm resolve. 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."
Gary Bering, a union member, echoed this sentiment, saying: "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."
Beyond pay, the GMB union has also raised concerns about inadequate staff facilities and insufficient water supplies at the local waste depot.
Council and Company Response
While Waltham Forest Council is responsible for waste management in the borough, it uses contracted workers for collections. Clyde Loakes, the Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Council, expressed disappointment at the lack of a resolution.
"We urge both parties to continue with the dialogue that has seen improvements made to the offer so far," he said. "The council has not been involved in any of the pay discussions... 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."
A spokesperson for FCC Environment confirmed that "our door remains open to talks" but emphasised that the company would not "negotiate through the media."
Specific dates for the December strikes are expected to be confirmed shortly, potentially causing significant disruption to refuse collections in the area during the festive period.
