Waltham Forest bin workers vote to strike over pay row

Outsourced refuse workers in Waltham Forest have voted to strike following a months’-long pay dispute with their employer, FCC Environment.

97% of GMB Union members who participated in the ballot voted in favour of strike action.

Strike dates are expected to be set for December.

FCC Environment made several below-inflation pay offers, which were rejected by members.

It offered the smallest increases to those workers on London Living Wage, despite them being among Waltham Forest Council’s lowest paid employees.

Mary Goodson, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“This strike vote is the culmination of months of subpar pay offers.

“Our members have told FCC Environment that enough is enough.

“They want a proper pay uplift, which reflects their hard work and the high cost of living.

Gary Bering, GMB member and refuse worker, said:

“We are tired of FCC’s poor pay and conditions.

“We do a vital job for the borough, come rain or shine.

“The least we deserve is a decent pay packet so we can pay our bills.”

ENDS