Newham Council successfully averts industrial action by Unite the Union

Following an announcement made by Unite the Union on 14 August that it was recommending industrial action to members of Newham’s Waste and Recycling service, due to start on 25 September, Newham Council has confirmed today that strike action has been successfully averted.

This follows the Council and Unite resolving a local dispute that was taken to a ballot with members who voted to accept the offer. It means the proposed four-week disruption to the Council’s Waste and Recycling Services across Newham because of industrial action, will not happen.

Abi Gbago, Chief Executive of Newham Council, commented: “After intense negotiations, I am pleased to confirm that we have avoided industrial action that would have caused disruption and significant cost to the Council at a time of real financial pressure. Through collaborative discussions we have been able to avert strike action and demonstrate our commitment to open consultation and the strength of our relationship with our workforce.

“I would like to thank Unite and all colleagues involved for working constructively and collaboratively to resolve this dispute. Whilst Unite continue to be in negotiation relating to the national annual pay deal they raised local matters which, if resolved, could put an end to the dispute and cease any action. We listened and were able to meet the majority of the requests made. We are determined to be an employer of choice and we will be completing a full review of employee terms and conditions later this year to ensure that we benchmark well and can attract and retain valued employees.”

Unite the Union had proposed industrial action beginning on Monday 25 September and lasting up until 22 October. The positive agreement between the Council and Unite will mean a range of improved employment terms including:

• Retention payments to all HGV drivers for a further three years; 
• Confirmation that where a risk assessment determines, a three person crew will be put in place; 
• A review of payments to those on night shift between 7-10pm as part of the whole council review of terms and conditions; 
• The offer of full time employment to all agency staff in line with our workforce headcount and budget;
• To instigate discussion with relevant decision makers on the regrading of Newham as an inner London borough so that inner London weighting can be applied to payments. 
• The agreement reached today means the action will now not happen and all Waste and Recycling Services will operate as normal.