Refuse workers in the London Borough of Newham are set to go on strike this Saturday to demand a pay increase that will keep up with spiralling price rises.
Unite the union says that 130 loaders, sweepers and drivers employed by Newham Council will begin a week-long strike until a pay deal is reached.
The union argues that refuse workers in Newham are paid far less than their counterparts in neighbouring Hackney and Greenwich. An operative in Newham, for example, earns £22,850 compared to £24,763 for a worker in Greenwich doing the same work.
The local authority says that council employees are already set to see a £2,229. For staff working in the Waste and Recycling service specifically, this means wage increases of between 7.8%-9.9%.
Commenting on Unite’s demands, Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said: ‘Simply put, the council doesn’t have that level of money spare, as all our money is spent on vital services for all our Newham residents.’
Steve Edwards, Unite regional officer, said: ‘The blame for this dispute lies squarely with the council when there is such a gaping hole in the workers’ pay packets. It’s time to reach a fair deal which recognises the important contribution the crews make to the borough.’
