Harlow refuse workers have called off a strike after employer Veolia improved its pay offer.
Union UNISON Eastern previously told Harlow Council contractor Veolia that refuse workers agreed to strike action after a vote on June 22.
Workers voted 97 per cent in favour of strikes in the hope of securing a better offer after complaints of the lack of any pay rise last year and workers rejecting an attempt to impose a 7 per cent rise – which the union said still failed to keep up with the cost of living.
Negotiations were agreed last week, tabling an improved offer of 2.5 per cent backdated to January 2021 and 5.5 per cent from January 2022.
Along with additional leave and new holiday enhancement rates, the overall package is worth over 9 per cent.
Veolia has also agreed to a new collective agreement that includes commitments to negotiate on pay in the future.
Workers accepted the agreement on Monday (July 4).
Regional official Caroline Hennessy called it a huge agreement for “some of the lowest-paid workers in Harlow”.
She added: “No-one wanted strikes and we’re glad that we can now call them off after Veolia finally agreed to talk to their staff about pay.”
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