Havering set for major bin strike as workers protest over poor conditions
Refuse collectors to walk out over unaddressed concerns
The London Borough of Havering is bracing for major disruption to waste collection services as refuse collectors announce a strike over poor working conditions later this month.
Unite union members at FCC Waste Management, the company responsible for waste services in Havering, have voted to take industrial action from 26th to 30th October.
Workers, including loaders and drivers, have raised concerns about excessive workloads, fatigue, and hot weather working conditions, claiming these issues have gone unaddressed for years. Over 40 refuse collectors will participate in the strike.
Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, expressed support for the workers, saying, "Bin workers do a difficult and dirty job...They deserve to be treated with respect and FCC can't keep kicking these serious concerns from its workforce down the road."
The strike highlights additional issues such as pay discrepancies. New starters in Havering earn less per hour than counterparts in neighbouring boroughs like Redbridge. The pay gap extends to drivers and loaders as well.
Nick West, Unite regional officer, stated, "Our members don't want residents to face disruption to bin collections, but it is the consequence of FCC failing to resolve these problems."
Havering residents are advised to expect disruptions to bin collections during the strike period.
Unite also questioned the effectiveness of outsourcing publicly funded services, suggesting it leads to poorer quality and increased pressure on workers.