Dartford bin workers vote for strike action

Operatives and Drivers working for FCC reject their employer’s low pay offer

GMB members working on FCC Environment’s refuse contract in Dartford have voted in favour of industrial action after rejecting the company’s low pay offer.

The industrial action ballot closed at noon on Monday 13 April and on a turnout of 72 per cent, 75 per cent voted in favour of industrial action.

Although FCC slightly revised its latest pay offer, it did not go far enough to meet members expectations or bring pay into line with comparable contracts.

Talks between GMB and FCC are due to take place this week.

Craig Prickett, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“This is a clear mandate from refuse workers in Dartford.

“They do an essential job keeping the borough clean and safe, yet they are being left behind on pay, earning significantly less than refuse workers on neighbouring contracts doing the same roles.

“We have talks with FCC this week, but those discussions will only be meaningful if the company brings the people who can actually make decisions.

“Failure to reach a satisfactory agreement will result in GMB issuing strike notice and the accompanying disruption to refuse services across Dartford.

“GMB remains ready to resolve this dispute, but FCC now needs to step up. If they fail to do so, responsibility for any further escalation will lie squarely with the company.”