Strike action affecting waste collections - Monday, 1 July - Sunday, 7 July

Redbridge Council and Redbridge Civic Services (RCS) have issued a joint statement following indications from Unite the Union that refuse workers intend to strike between Monday, 1 July and Sunday, 7 July.

Unfortunately, despite the considerable effort by RCS to meet all union demands, Unite the Union has not formally responded to the contractor’s latest offer, which was made on June 20. Instead, it has indicated that they will stage a strike during the week of the General Election.

The Council and RCS will work hard to minimise the disruption to local people. RCS aims to deliver a limited service throughout the strike to ensure residents' black bin waste is still collected, and our high streets are kept clean and tidy. Hiring agency workers to cover the striking period is not permitted by law. 

Black bin waste:

Please put out your black bins as usual and leave them out so any missed waste can be collected later in the week.

Steve Moore, Corporate Director of Communities at Redbridge Council, said:

"Throughout discussions to prevent strike action, RCS has done everything possible to meet conditions requested by the union. Given RCS's extensive package of support, including generous salary increases in 2022 and 2023, totalling an average 16 per cent rise in wages, this decision by Unite the Union to conduct a strike is disappointing.

“We had hoped both sides would continue negotiations in good faith until an agreement was reached. The Council will continue to work closely with RCS to support the collection of residents' black bin waste throughout the strike and minimise disruption to local families.

“We know RCS staff work incredibly hard every day to keep our borough clean, and we remain grateful for their service, especially those who will be working through next week to prevent disruption to local people."

Richard Fassnidge, Managing Director of RCS, said:

"It is extremely disappointing and frustrating that Unite the Union has decided to end negotiations and take strike action, despite our best efforts to meet their requested conditions.

"Over the past few weeks, we have met with union representatives on several occasions and offered to negotiate each of their conditions. Our latest offer received no formal response from the union, and instead, we were informed strike action would take place through the week of the general election.

"RCS will continue to do everything within its power to continue to provide a vital waste collection service for Redbridge residents throughout the strike.”

Impact on waste services:

As you will appreciate, it is difficult to predict what level of service RCS will provide next week. However, we will ensure that information detailing the level of impact will be posted on our website each day next week to keep you well-informed.

From Monday, 1 July to Friday, 5 July, households should put out their black bins as usual and leave them out so any missed waste can be collected later in the week.

Recycling, bulky waste, and green garden waste collections will pause during the strike period from Monday, 1 July to Sunday, 7 July.  People can recycle and dispose of green garden waste and recycling for free at Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre.

When visiting Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre, please bring proof of identification—either a driver's license with your current address or a recent council tax bill (this includes e-bills shown on an electronic device).

The Council and RCS remain committed to ensuring vital services continue to be delivered, and disruption to local people is minimised as much as possible. We understand the inconvenience this strike will cause and are doing everything possible to mitigate its impact.

Please visit our website for updates.