Bin workers in Newham are set to go on strike for two weeks starting on Tuesday, Unite the Union has announced.
Unite has issued Newham Council with notice of a further two weeks of strike action starting on Tuesday 20 September, ending Monday 3 October. The council claims it has offered HGV drivers a pay increase of up to at least 18%.
In a statement on its website, the council said: ‘For HGV drivers, where this role is particularly hard to recruit for, we are offering an additional £2,000 recruitment and retention allowance. Currently our drivers receive a salary starting at £28,470 - the offer that was presented would see them receive an additional £5,179 for 2023.’
Unite said that this was a ‘misleading’ claim and that the council’s offer was only worth a ‘measly’ £950.
Around 130 loaders and drivers employed by the London Borough of Newham will be taking strike action.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘The borough needs to stop peddling misinformation and get on with the job of negotiating an end to the strike. Obviously the workers would not be on strike if these claims about huge pay rises were real.
‘The workers are now prepared to take strike action for a further two weeks. They have Unite’s complete support. Newham council must realise that game playing won’t end the dispute.’
Jamie Blake, corporate director for Environment and Sustainable Transport at Newham Council, said: 'It is very disappointing Unite has informed the council they intend to take their members out on strike for a second time between 20 September and 3 October, this time for two weeks.'
He added: 'Many of Unite’s pay claims have not only been agreed to but also applied to all of the Council’s staff so that non Unite members benefit, this includes agreement to increase overtime rates. This was agreed before the first strike action and we’ve made further offers despite our financial constraints.
'I urge Unite to come back to the table. Together, we can find a positive solution for our staff and the residents of Newham they serve.'
