HARLOW’S refuse workers have called off summer strike action after employer Veolia improved its pay offer and committed to a new collective agreement, UNISON says today (Tuesday).

An overwhelming 97% of workers backed walkouts 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, the workers’ union, about pay but agreed to negotiate last week, tabling an improved offer of 2.5% backdated to January 2021 and 5.5% from January 2022.

Along with additional leave and new holiday enhancement rates, the overall package is worth over 9%, says UNISON. Veolia also agreed to a new collective agreement that includes commitments to negotiate on pay in the future.

Workers accepted the agreement at meeting last (Monday) night.

UNISON Eastern regional official Caroline Hennessy said: “This agreement is huge for some of the lowest-paid workers in Harlow and should keep their heads above water amid spiralling food and energy costs.

“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.

“This is a shining example of what we can achieve when we stand together.”