Waltham Forest bin strikes averted after new pay deal
Refuse, street scene, and grounds maintenance workers in Waltham Forest have called off planned strikes over the festive period after accepting a last-minute pay deal.
Rolling strikes were due to start in a week’s time, on Wednesday 10th December.
The outsourced workers, who are employed by FCC Environment on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, voted in favour of a more generous settlement from FCC after months of lowball offers.
The offer will see those workers on London Living Wage receive £14.50 an hour, back dated to August – an increase of almost 4.7 per cent on the 2024-25 London Living Wage rate.
Those on higher salaries will receive a 3.6 per cent increase, back dated to April.
Pay talks will restart in January when, in addition to further salary increases, sick pay, staff facilities, and overtime will also be on the table.
Mary Goodson, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“We are pleased that FCC has seen sense and put forward a much-improved offer.
“Our members stood strong against low pay and won a better deal for themselves and their colleagues without the need for industrial action.
“This result shows what workers can achieve when they stand together and show they are prepared to fight for what they deserve.
“It is an excellent start, and we look forward to more constructive discussions with FCC next year.”
