Newham bin strike called off after new pay deal reached

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Newham bin strike called off after new pay deal reached

A strike among refuse workers in Newham has been called off after a pay deal was reached. Members of the Unite union were due to walk out between September 25 and October 22, but now lower paid staff across the whole council will receive an extra £750 payment.

Originally 105 refuse workers from Newham rejected the national pay offer of a flat rate increase of £1,925. Union members secured improved terms and conditions on top of the Local Government Association national pay deal, with the £750 being given to all workers on grades one to three.

Unite said the deal reached at Newham "points the way" to a similar resolution at Tower Hamlets where workers are taking strike action for a month. Newham Council has also agreed to a continued retention payment to HGV drivers up to 2026; permanent jobs for agency workers in refuse department; to work with Unite to review the night shift premium and refuse worker grading; and improvements to local consultation processes.

READ MORE: Rotting rubbish piles up on streets as refuse workers and cleaners strike

READ MORE: Homes and streets already plagued by missed bin collections and litter set for more disruption

The agreement means all bin collections and recycling services will operate as normal, Newham Council said. Abi Gbago, the authority's chief executive, said: "After intense negotiations, I am pleased to confirm that we have avoided industrial action that would have caused disruption and significant cost to the council at a time of real financial pressure.

"Through collaborative discussions we have been able to avert strike action and demonstrate our commitment to open consultation and the strength of our relationship with our workforce. I would like to thank Unite and all colleagues involved for working constructively and collaboratively to resolve this dispute.

"Whilst Unite continue to be in negotiation relating to the national annual pay deal they raised local matters which, if resolved, could put an end to the dispute and cease any action. We listened and were able to meet the majority of the requests made. We are determined to be an employer of choice and we will be completing a full review of employee terms and conditions later this year to ensure that we benchmark well and can attract and retain valued employees."

Unite's general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite members are staging a fightback. As a result, low paid workers across the whole of Newham Council have secured a payment of £750.

"It just goes to show what workers can achieve when supported with the full force of their union, Unite, and a council that is prepared to listen. This is a clear message to Tower Hamlets that the council has the power to end the ongoing strike."

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