Harlow bin workers to vote on strike action in pay dispute
Staff want a pay increase to help deal with rising inflation
Last updated 24th May 2022
Bin workers in Harlow could be set to walk out in a dispute over pay.
Staff at contractor Veolia's Mead Park say managers are refusing to discuss a suitable increase in wages amid rising inflation.
Workers have been told they will get a 7% pay rise backdated to April, despite inflation running at around 9%.
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.”
A Veolia spokesperson said:
"We are working with UNISON's regional office to find a way forward to support our teams."We have approached Veolia for comment."