UK
UNITE WARNS BEXLEY COUNCIL AHEAD OF BIN STRIKE
Trade union Unite has warned Bexley Council that its Serco-run ‘shoestring’ refuse and street cleaning contract risks ‘years of industrial unrest’, as two weeks of bin strikes began today.
The recently retendered contract aims to save Bexley Council around £2.5 million over the next five years, with Unite concerned about what this could mean for waste collectors.
The warning came as around 140 Serco refuse and cleaning workers, who are members of Unite, began striking from today until 25 July, with a picket line between 5am and 10am being held every weekday at Thames Road Refuse Depot in Crayford.
Unite asserts that Serco has not included refuse and cleansing staff on a stipulated pay progression scale for five years.
The union also argues that there is a disparity in pay for workers doing the same jobs.
For example, in neighbouring Greenwich refuse staff earn a minimum of £13 an hour, compared to the £10.25 paid by Serco in Bexley.
The statement from the union continues, expressing that members are unhappy with the company’s 2021 pay rise of 1.5 per cent.
It also accuses Serco of the removal of industrial sickness benefits, as well as of ‘victimising’ its workers by conducting random workplace drug and alcohol tests through its substance misuse policy.
Unite regional officer, Ruth Hydon, commented: “Serco have backed our members into a corner with their pathetic pay offer, refusal to pay owed back wages and lack of fair pay.
“New drivers are paid £5k more than some experienced drivers.”
“These strikes, and the smell and disruption they will cause, will continue until Serco takes serious steps to resolve this issue by making pay fair, paying the back pay they owe and giving our members a decent pay rise.”
“Unite urges Bexley council to pressure Serco into bringing this dispute to end as soon as possible.”
“We understand that the council is facing financial difficulties, but we are also very concerned that planned £2.5 million cuts to the refuse contract will be borne by our members, who are already at breaking point.”
“There is a reason Serco is the only bidder and that is because the contract as it stands will only operate at a profit if services are run completely into the ground.
“Bexley residents are already sick and tired of Serco’s shoestring service provision, while our members' strike action speaks for itself.”
“If this contract goes ahead in its current form, it will pave the way for years of industrial unrest and taxpayer dissatisfaction.”
Bexley Council declined comment, stating the issue ‘concerns a dispute between Serco and its staff’
Bexley Council refuse staff strike over low pay
Refuse staff employed by Bexley Council in London have begun two weeks of strike action over poor pay and treatment.
About 140 workers are taking part in the strikes, which started on Monday (12 July) and will continue until 25 July. The picket line is being held between 5am and 10am every weekday to protest against Serco, which runs the refuse contract on behalf of Bexley Council.
The workers are taking action over a 1.5% pay rise offer, disparities in pay for workers doing the same jobs, the removal of industrial sickness benefits and years of back pay owed to nearly 50 employees.
Refuse staff in Bexley earn £10.25 an hour, which is below the London Living Wage of £10.85 an hour and less than their nearby counterparts, as Greenwich refuse employees earn a minimum of £13 an hour.
According to the union Unite, Bexley Council plans to reduce the refuse contract by £2.5 million over five years, while Serco has yet to include refuse and cleansing staff on a stipulated pay progression scale. This has led to refuse truck drivers being on the same pay scale as street sweepers and some being owed thousands in back wages.
Unite regional officer Ruth Hydon commented that members have worked throughout successive national lockdowns to keep the service running, risking their own safety as well as that of their families. She believes that Serco has backed members into a corner with their pay offer and lack of fair remuneration, as new drivers are paid £5,000 more than some experienced drivers.
“These strikes, and the smell and disruption they will cause, will continue until Serco takes serious steps to resolve this issue by making pay fair, paying the back pay they owe and giving our members a decent pay rise. Unite urges Bexley Council to pressure Serco into bringing this dispute to end as soon as possible,” she said.
Serco’s senior contract manager Graeme Waugh explained that its intention is to always work in partnership with trade unions and is disappointed the decision to take strike action has been made while conciliation discussions are ongoing.
“We are working hard to minimise disruptions to residents at this time and would urge the union to reconsider this action,” he added.
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