Havering bin workers strike over pay disparity
FCC Waste Management employees are protesting wages significantly lower than those in neighbouring Redbridge.
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Bin workers in Havering have begun industrial action over concerns about their pay. The employees, who are contracted to FCC Waste Management, walked out on Monday, October 26. The strike is scheduled to conclude on Friday, October 30, with a demonstration planned outside Havering Town Hall.
Pay Discrepancies Highlighted
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The union representing the workers, Unite, has stated that employees in Havering are being significantly underpaid when compared to their counterparts in the neighbouring borough of Redbridge. Specifically, new starter loaders in Havering receive £12.88 per hour, a figure substantially lower than the £15.72 paid in Redbridge for the same role. Similarly, new drivers in Havering are paid £17.24 per hour, compared to £19.89 in Redbridge.
Further analysis by Unite indicates that loaders in Havering are set to be paid 17 per cent less than the London real living wage, which stands at £15.45 per hour. This disparity has led to the current industrial action.
Union's Stance and Call for Negotiation
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Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, commented on the dispute, stating that the workers are essential and deserve fair pay. She highlighted the illogical nature of the pay gap between Havering and the adjacent borough, and indicated that both FCC Waste Management and Havering Council face serious questions. Graham also mentioned concerns over working conditions and stated that Unite would continue to support the members.
Danny Hoggan, Unite regional officer, described the situation as unacceptable, with members struggling to make ends meet. He suggested that FCC Waste Management would rather allocate funds to strike-breaking than to resolving the issues with fair pay and treatment. Hoggan added that Unite is prepared to meet with FCC to negotiate an end to the dispute, provided the company commits to immediate and meaningful changes to pay and conditions.
Questions this report answers
+Why are Havering bin workers striking?
Havering bin workers, employed by FCC Waste Management, are striking due to concerns over pay. They are protesting that their wages are significantly lower than those paid to equivalent roles in the neighbouring borough of Redbridge.
+How much less are Havering bin workers paid compared to Redbridge?
New starter loaders in Havering are paid £12.88 per hour, while the equivalent role in Redbridge pays £15.72. New drivers in Havering earn £17.24 per hour, compared to £19.89 in Redbridge.
+What is the real living wage in London?
The London real living wage is £15.45 per hour. Loaders in Havering are reportedly set to be paid 17 per cent less than this figure.
+What is the union's position on resolving the dispute?
Unite, the union representing the bin workers, has stated its willingness to meet with FCC Waste Management to negotiate an end to the dispute. They are seeking immediate and meaningful changes to the workers' pay and conditions.
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