Christmas bin strikes averted after pay deal made

A series of planned bin strikes in east London over the Christmas period have been called off after an improved pay offer was accepted.

Refuse, street scene and grounds maintenance staff in Waltham Forest were due to launch several walkouts from 10 December until 9 January.

GMB union said the staff from FCC Environment, which provides the services on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, had voted in favour of accepting the pay deal. The union now plans to restart pay talks in January over working conditions and sick pay.

FCC Environment confirmed an agreement was reached, while the council said it appreciated the dedication and effort of refuse collectors working in all weather conditions.

The workers voted in favour of a more generous settlement from FCC "after months of lowball offers", according to GMB.

GMB said pay talks are to restart next month "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: "Our members stood strong against low pay and won a better deal for themselves and their colleagues without the need for industrial action.

"It is an excellent start, and we look forward to more constructive discussions with FCC next year."

The offer will see workers on London Living Wage receive £14.50 an hour, backdated to August – an increase of almost 4.7% on the 2024 - 25 London Living Wage rate.

Those on higher salaries will receive a 3.6% increase, backdated to April.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for climate and air quality, Clyde Loakes, said: "We know how hard collection staff work, often in challenging weather conditions, and we appreciate their dedication and effort.

"Residents will be relieved that their collections will continue over the busy holiday period and into the New Year, which is always a challenging and busy time for these important services."

A spokesperson for FCC Environment said: "FCC Environment has confirmed that, following ongoing negotiations with the unions, a satisfactory position has been reached."

Waltham Forest runs a revised schedule for bin collections over the festive period, as crews do not work on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day.

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