Refuse workers in the east London borough of Redbridge have voted against holding a two-week strike over working conditions in what would have been their second walk-out this summer.
Unite had claimed bin collectors face "far worse conditions" than other council employees, as they are employed by Redbridge Civic Services (RCS), a council-owned subsidiary, rather than directly by the council.
Workers were unhappy with "a range of workplace issues" including regular requests to work extra hours and less favourable sick pay arrangements.
However, union members voted against taking industrial action following a ballot on Thursday morning.
It comes after a previous strike in July, with Unite union claiming Redbridge Council has overseen "a deterioration of working conditions".
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: ”Our members have voted to accept the new offer put on the table by Redbridge council and all strike action has been cancelled.
“They are to be congratulated on their resolve and willingness to take industrial action to help fix the abhorrent situation they found themselves in.
“Once again this shows Unite is the winning union and the power that workers can have.”
A Redbridge Council spokesperson said: “The Council has been working hard to facilitate discussions and negotiations between Redbridge Civic Services (RCS) and Unite the Union to get a good offer for the workers and shop stewards and work towards preventing industrial action.
“We are pleased that Unite the Union members have voted against taking industrial action.
“The Leader of the Council and officers have met with staff to proactively discuss the future of waste services. Through these meetings, they have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by staff and are actively working to ensure the necessary support is provided.”
It comes as workers at Lewisham council are set to vote in a formal strike ballot after the town hall moved to dismiss several employees, including both of the borough's UNISON’s joint branch secretaries.
Justine Canady is on full-time release for union activities, however the town hall is proposing to make her job in fostering recruitment redundant.
It would mean that without a substantive post she would be removed as branch secretary as well and the union argues this contravenes previous practice.
Jay Kidd-Morton, who is joint branch secretary, is also facing dismissal alongside the rest of her team in the legal services department as the borough attempts to make £25million of cuts.
Ms Canady said: “We have no choice but to move ahead with a strike ballot. For the sake of residents, I hope that the council listens and scraps its plans to sack us before strike action takes place.”
