Refuse workers in Harlow will vote on strike action after rejecting a pay offer that fails to keep up with the rising cost of living, UNISON announces today.
The union has told contractor Veolia that workers at the Mead Park depot will start voting on industrial action unless the firm commits to come to the table by the end of the week.
Workers received no pay rise last year and have been told they will get 7% backdated to this April for the two-year period. UNISON points out that inflation since 2021 is already running at 9%, meaning staff would be taking a real-terms pay cut.
Despite having national collective bargaining agreements with UNISON, Veolia is refusing to negotiate locally on pay, leaving workers with no choice but to ballot for strikes, says the union.
UNISON Eastern regional manager Caroline Hennessy said: “Veolia’s staff are livid that the company is planning to impose a real-terms pay cut without even giving them the opportunity to talk about it.
“With spiralling energy and fuel costs, this rise will barely help refuse workers to keep their heads above water.
“No-one at the depot wants a strike or to inconvenience the people of Harlow, but Veolia is leaving us with no choice but to ballot. Bosses won’t even get around the table to discuss pay.
“The company can avoid any action by treating these workers with respect, committing to talk and making an offer that doesn’t leave staff worse off.”
