Harlow refuse workers call off strikes after improved pay offer

Last month, an overwhelming 97% of refuse workers backed walkouts in Harlow after enduring years of below-inflation deals, including 0% in 2021 and 0.4% in 2020, leaving loaders barely above the legal minimum wage.
Workers rejected Veolia’s attempt to impose a 7% rise, saying it failed to keep up with the cost of living.
The firm initially refused to talk to UNISON about pay but agreed to negotiate last week, tabling an improved offer of 2.5% backdated to January 2021 and 5.5% from January