Refuse workers vote against two-week strike action as improved conditions accepted

Unite the union members had been due to strike from August 22 until September 5 but accepted a last minute offer from the council on Thursday morning.

Unite had claimed bin collectors face "far worse conditions" than other council employees, as they are employed by Redbridge Civic Services (RCS), a council-owned subsidiary, rather than directly by the council.

It comes after a previous strike in July, with Unite the union claiming Redbridge Council had overseen "a deterioration of working conditions".

Workers were unhappy with "a range of workplace issues" including regular requests to work extra hours and less favourable sick pay arrangements.

The new offer accepted by the workers includes an increase in sick pay from 10 days to 3 months, a reduced working week and paid overtime.

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Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ”Our members have voted to accept the new offer put on the table by Redbridge council and all strike action has been cancelled. 

“They are to be congratulated on their resolve and willingness to take industrial action to help fix the abhorrent situation they found themselves in.

“Once again this shows Unite is the winning union and the power that workers can have.”

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said: “The Council has been working hard to facilitate discussions and negotiations between Redbridge Civic Services (RCS) and Unite the Union to get a good offer for the workers and shop stewards and work towards preventing industrial action.

 “We are pleased that Unite the Union members have voted against taking industrial action.

“The Leader of the Council and officers have met with staff to proactively discuss the future of waste services. Through these meetings, they have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by staff and are actively working to ensure the necessary support is provided.”