Bexley residents warned of ‘summer stink’ as refuse workers prepare to strike over low pay

Bexley residents have been warned of a  ‘summer stink’ as refuse workers prepare to strike over low pay.

Serco refuse workers are preparing to vote in a strike ballot after a dispute over pay and the poor treatment of workers.

Around 140 Unite the Union members will take part in the vote, which Unite has called over a “pathetic” 1.5 per cent pay offer, the removal of industrial sickness benefits and Serco’s alleged refusal to handover years of back pay owed to nearly 50 staff.

Unite regional officer Ruth Hydon said: “Unless Serco changes tack, Bexley residents could be facing the prospect of a summer stink as rubbish goes uncollected.

“Our members’ anger at Serco’s insulting pay offer, refusal to pay significant amounts of owed back wages and low pay in general, is such that Unite has called a strike ballot.”

Outsourcing giant Serco, which runs the contract on behalf of Bexley Council, haven’t included refuse staff on a stipulated pay progression scale for half a decade.

This has led to instances of refuse truck drivers being on the same pay scale as street sweepers, with some staff being owed thousands in back wages.

The council will make a decision about whether to continue to award the contract to Serco later this month.

Unite members are also angry at the company’s 2021 pay offer of 1.5 per cent, despite Bexley workers earning much less than their counterparts in other areas of the capital.

In neighbouring Greenwich refuse staff earn a minimum of £13 an hour, compared to £10.25 paid by Serco in Bexley, which is below even the London Living Wage.

Unite has also accused of Serco of victimising union members through the unfair policing of its substance misuse policy.

Serco has increased random workplace drug and alcohol tests which Unite has said “targets workers for standing up for themselves as the tests were not linked to any reported safety issues”.

Ms Hydon said: “Feelings are also running very high at Serco’s vindictive and unnecessary use of drug testing to go after staff for standing up for themselves, particularly as the company has offered absolutely no support to staff who may be struggling.

“Rubbish piled high at the height of summer is something no one wants, but unless Serco satisfactorily addresses our members’ concerns, that is what the people of Bexley could be facing.”

The ballot opens today (Tuesday 1 June) and closes Monday 28 June.

Serco and Bexley Council have been contacted for a comment.