Redbridge bin collectors begin two-week strike

Refuse collectors will strike from 22 August to 5 September

Refuse workers in Redbridge, east London, have begun a two-week strike over working conditions.

It is the second walk-out by bin collectors in the borough, with the last strike taking place in July.

The Unite union said the industrial action by its members was needed due to Redbridge Council "overseeing a deterioration of working conditions".

The council said Redbridge Civic Services (RCS), which manages the refuse-collection operation for the council, has "offered an extensive support package which RCS have told us has been well-received by its workers".

'Failure to negotiate'

Unite union said the refuse collectors were "subject to far worse conditions" than other council employees, as they were not employed directly by Redbridge Council, but by the subsidiary company RCS, which is wholly owned by the council.

It said workers were unhappy "with a range of workplace issues" that the council had "failed to address", with workers being regularly asked to work extra hours, and having less favourable conditions, such as sick pay.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Our members are furious that council leaders are lining their pockets while ignoring the working conditions of those vital workers collecting refuse day in and day out in all weathers.

"This tone deaf approach and failure to negotiate in any meaningful way has left our members little choice but to take further strike action."

Ms Graham added: “Redbridge Council is guilty of trying to operate a vital frontline service on the cheap and it must immediately get its house in order. Our members have the union’s total support.”

'Minimising any impact'

Redbridge Council said: "The council has been working hard to facilitate discussions and negotiations between RCS and Unite the Union to get a good offer for the workers and shop stewards and work towards preventing 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."

It added: “As a council, our goal is for both parties to reach a suitable agreement and to prevent any industrial action. We are committed to putting residents at the forefront of our efforts, minimising any impact on bin collections while also ensuring that workers receive the best possible deal."

The strike is due to last until 5 September.