Around 90 refuse collection workers at Thurrock council, Essex, had been on strike since 13 April 2021.
The dispute (see letsrecycle.com story) centred around claims the council intended to “slash” salaries, which Thurrock has denied throughout.
Unite had previously claimed workers faced losing between £1,200 and £3,800 a year, but in a statement said the council had made “positive changes” to the original proposal, meaning members will not see their pay reduced.
Councillor Rob Gledhill, leader of Thurrock council, said: “I am pleased that our ongoing discussions with the trade unions have resulted in Unite the Union suspending their waste collection strike action meaning that we can welcome our highly valued waste collection staff back to work next week.
“The council has always maintained its commitment to reaching an agreed outcome and although the negotiations are ongoing, this positive step by Unite is welcomed.”
Household waste collections resumed on 24 May.
Essex-based Thurrock council runs an in-house waste collection service. It had a household waste recycling rate of 34.8% in the 2019/20 financial year.
‘Victory’
Unite regional officer Michelle Cook said: “This deal is a victory for the workers who stood firm for six weeks in a strike to defend their pay. The workers and the residents of Thurrock will be pleased that the council have amended their plans, and services can get back to normal.
“These essential workers, who were applauded for their work through the pandemic, now deserve to be applauded for the solidarity and determination they showed. When workers organise, workers win.”
Household waste collections
With collections suspended, the council created ‘waste drop-off points’ across Thurrock to allow residents to dispose of bagged household waste and prevent it from pilling up (see letsrecycle.com story).
Nevertheless, additional work will now take place to collect waste and recycling that has built up because of the reduced collections during the last few weeks, the council says.
Councillor Andrew Jefferies, Thurrock’s cabinet member for environment, said: “I know how important the waste collection service is to all our residents so it is fantastic news that the service will be reinstated from Monday 24 May across the borough.
“I thank all residents for continuing to work with the council by responsibly using the bring sites during the last few weeks.”
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