Havering bin collectors set to strike over pay and conditions

More than 40 refuse collectors in the London borough of Havering are scheduled to strike from October 26 to 30. The dispute involves waste contractor FCC Environment and the Unite union.

Unite has cited several grievances, including excessive workloads, worker fatigue, and inadequate protections during hot weather. The union also raised concerns regarding pay disparities, noting that wages for loaders and drivers in Havering are lower than those in the neighboring Redbridge borough. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham stated that workers deserve respect and that management must address these serious concerns.

Havering Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Realm, Councillor Martynas Cekavicius, has urged both FCC and the union to reach an amicable resolution quickly to minimize disruption to residents and essential services. FCC Environment confirmed that discussions with Unite are ongoing and expressed a desire for constructive dialogue to reach a resolution.