Bin collectors in Havering are set to walk out at the end of the month over concerns including excessive workloads, fatigue and vehicle safety.
The five-day strike action, which will run from October 26 to 30, will cause "major disruption" to refuse services, according to union Unite.
More than 40 refuse workers employed by FCC Waste Management - which provides outsources services for Havering Council - will take part in the walkout in protest over long-standing workplace concerns that they say have gone unaddressed.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: "Bin workers do a difficult and dirty job which is essential for the local community in Havering.
"They deserve to be treated with respect and FCC can't keep kicking these serious concerns from its workforce down the road.
"These must be addressed now and our members there have our full backing during this dispute."
Unite has raised issues including excessive workloads, staff shortages, and poor vehicle conditions.
Loaders and drivers claim they are regularly required to work overtime to complete their rounds and that no adjustments were made during the recent heatwaves, unlike in other boroughs where working days were reduced to protect staff.
Unite says some loaders suffered heatstroke as a result of being required to work in extreme temperatures.
The union also pointed to a pay disparity between Havering and neighbouring boroughs.
A new starter loader in Havering earns £12.88 per hour, compared to £15.72 in Redbridge.
New drivers are paid £17.24 in Havering versus £19.89 in Redbridge.
Nick West, regional officer for Unite, said: "Our members don't want residents to face disruption to bin collections, but it is the consequence of FCC failing to resolve these problems.
"Residents are already paying for this service through their council tax.
"They deserve a service that works and workers deserve decent pay and conditions in which to deliver it.
"FCC can resolve this dispute, but it relies on it taking these problems seriously and working with the union to find a meaningful solution."
Responding to the strike announcement, Cllr Martynas Cekavicius, Havering Council’s cabinet member for public realm, said: "The council strongly urges both FCC and the Union to work constructively towards an amicable resolution as soon as possible, in the interests of employees and to minimise the risk of disruption to local residents and essential services.
"The council will remain in close contact with FCC as discussions progress and will continue to monitor the situation.
"We hope that both parties can reach a positive outcome through dialogue and negotiation, avoiding any unnecessary impact on residents."
Share