Unite industrial action: impact on recycling and waste services in Redbridge

Update Thursday 22 August 2024

The strike has been cancelled.

The council has been working hard to facilitate discussions and negotiations  between Redbridge Civic Services (RCS) and Unite the Union, to get a good offer for the workers and shop stewards and work towards preventing industrial action. We are pleased that Unite the Union members have voted against taking industrial action from today till Wednesday, 4 September.

The Leader of the Council and officers have met with staff to proactively discuss the future of waste services. Through these meetings, they have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by staff and are actively working to ensure the necessary support is provided.

Statement from the Leader of the Council

____

Friday 9 August 2024

Unite the Union confirmed on Friday 9 August that its members who work for the independent company, Redbridge Civic Services (RCS), intend to take industrial action between Thursday 22 August and Thursday 5 September.

Redbridge Civic Services (RCS) is an independent company that manages waste contracts in Redbridge.

Redbridge Council has issued the following statement:

 "RCS is currently in the advanced stages of negotiations with Unite to prevent strike action. We will continue to encourage negotiations in the hope that both parties can reach an agreement to avoid strike action and ensure the local people we serve are not adversely impacted.”

“We are confident that RCS's latest and extensive package of support, which follows generous salary increases in 2022 and 2023, totalling a 16% increase, provides fair remuneration and significantly improves employee conditions.

“We will share regular updates on any developments, including potential disruption to recycling and waste collections, on our website. We apologise for the potential inconvenience caused by this latest round of action by Unite the Union.”