Waltham Forest bin workers reject pay deal as strike threat looms
Outsourced refuse workers in Waltham Forest have rejected a 2.8% pay offer, sparking the possibility of industrial action.
The offer did not apply to those workers recently placed on the London Living Wage, despite them being among the council’s lowest paid employees.
Over half the workforce employed by FCC Environment and working on behalf of Waltham Forest Council voted in a ballot, which saw 100% of GMB members reject the pay deal on 100% turnout.
A 3.2% pay offer is now on the table – although it still excludes London Living Wage employees and sits below the rate of inflation. GMB will ballot members on the offer.
Refuse workers’ frustration with FCC Environment and the council extends beyond pay.
Concerns have also been raised over inadequate staff facilities at the waste depot and insufficient supplies of water for workers, particularly in hot weather.
Mary Goodson, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“The London Living Wage is a floor, not a ceiling.
“It is the bare minimum FCC owe these workers, and it should not exclude them from receiving a much needed and deserved pay uplift.
“If we don’t receive an improved pay award that includes all of our members, we will have no hesitation in balloting for strike action.”
Adam Waclawczyk, GMB member and refuse worker, said:
“The pay, terms, and conditions that FCC offer in Waltham Forest are very poor.
“We work hard to keep the borough clean – we deserve to be paid fairly and treated with respect.”
