Newham refuse workers demand pay justice from borough councillors

Refuse workers are fighting for a living wage – while councillors claim generous allowances and some own more than one home.

Unite, Britain’s leading union, has written to Newham borough councillors to expose the contrast between workers striking for a fair wage and councillors on generous allowances failing to intervene.

Some, according to the register of interests, even have second homes. Unite is calling on councillors to use their influence to ensure the council reaches a fair deal with the workers (see notes to editors).

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The drivers and loaders are out on strike because they face a cost of living emergency. Councillors should be using their influence to deliver a fair pay deal which recognises the contribution these public servants make.

“The second phase of strike action ends next week but the workers have not ruled out more action and they have Unite’s complete support.”

A letter to Newham’s councillors, from Unite’s national lead officer Onay Kasab states “Many Councillors will receive more in allowances than our members do in wages. Newham pays its loaders an average of just £22,500 per year.”

He continued; “The unfairness does not stop here however. The register of Councillor Interests shows how some councillors own properties in addition to the property they live in.”

“It’s time for fairness. We don’t want second homes or second incomes. We just want fair pay.”

The loaders and drivers began strike action on Tuesday 20 September. The action ends on Monday 3 October. But the union has not ruled out further action.

The council’s current offer is worth a “measly” £950 – only if workers work every bank holiday week. In reality, Bosses in Newham have offered zero per cent on workers’ basic pay.