Refuse workers had been due to walkout over the festive period but have now come to an agreement with contractor FCC Environment
Refuse, street scene, and grounds maintenance workers in Waltham Forest have called off planned strikes over the festive period after accepting a last-minute pay deal.
Rolling strikes were due to start next Wednesday (10th). The strikes have been looming since the summer, when members of the GMB union rejected a 2.8% pay offer. A follow-up offer of 3.2% was similarly rejected.
But the outsourced workers, employed by FCC Environment on behalf of Waltham Forest Council, have now voted in favour of a “more generous settlement”.
The offer will see those workers on London Living Wage receive £14.50 an hour, back-dated to August – an increase of almost 4.7% on the 2024/25 rate. Those on higher salaries will receive a 3.6% increase, backdated to April.
Pay talks will restart in January when, in addition to further salary increases, sick pay, staff facilities, and overtime will also be on the table.
Mary Goodson, GMB regional organiser, said: “We are pleased that FCC has seen sense and put forward a much-improved offer.
“Our members stood strong against low pay and won a better deal for themselves and their colleagues without the need for industrial action.
“This result shows what workers can achieve when they stand together and show they are prepared to fight for what they deserve.
“It is an excellent start, and we look forward to more constructive discussions with FCC next year.”
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