Ellie Ames 19 June 2024

Union announces strike over working conditions

Union announces strike over working conditions image
Image: paul rushton / Shutterstock.com

Refuse workers in the London borough of Redbridge will strike next month over a ‘deterioration’ of working conditions.

They are employed by council-owned firm Redbridge Civic Services (RCS) but subject to ‘far worse’ conditions than their local authority colleagues, according to trade union Unite.

The union said workers were unhappy about consistently starting and finishing late due to vehicles breaking down, pressure to work overtime every weekend, and having to do an extra daily hour of work outside their contracts.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ‘This is disgraceful behaviour from the council who are treating some of their most vital workers appallingly.

‘Redbridge council is guilty of trying to operate a vital frontline service on the cheap and it must immediately get its house in order.’

A week of industrial action will start on 1 July, meaning rubbish will be building up outside polling stations and homes by the General Election, Unite said.

Redbridge Council said it was facilitating the early stages of negotiations between RCS and Unite in a bid to prevent strike action.

A spokesperson said: ‘The council is confident that the extensive package of support offered by RCS, which follows generous salary increases in 2022 and 2023, provides fair renumeration and represents a significant improvement in employee conditions.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Victims Development Officer (Violence Against Women)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO1 - £39,855 - £42,324
We need a versatile and enthusiastic officer to improve services for victims of VAWG and modern slavery. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Community Facilitator level 1

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Scale 5 - £31,524 to £32,931
We are seeking to fill a number of roles to help us deliver our new vision for Health and Adults Services (HAS) Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Personal Advisors

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£38,934 - £40,755
This is a rewarding, challenging and essential role, in our support of young people Leaving Care. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Ivy Chimneys SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director - Corporate Services

Teignbridge District Council
£93,688 - £100,549 per annum
Develop your career with a forward-thinking authority based in an attractive part of South Devon. Newton Abbot, Devon
Recuriter: Teignbridge District Council
Linkedin Banner