Rubbish could pile up in an area of east London over Christmas in a dispute at what bin collectors say is poor pay.
GMB Union members voted by 97 per cent to take the industrial action against their employer FCC Environment, which provides the services on behalf of Waltham Forest Council.
The strikes have been looming since the summer when outsourced workers rejected a 2.8 per cent increase, then a follow-up offer of 3.2 per cent.
Walkouts are due to take place between December 10-12, 17-19 and 22-23 as well as January 2 and 5-9.
According to reports, bin collectors in London typically earn between £21,867 and £39,335 per year, with an average of around £29,328 or £14 per hour.
Top earners can get £51,220, depending on experience and location. Specific job roles like driving a lorry attracts higher income.
GMB regional organiser Mary Goodson said: “Our members still have not been offered a decent pay uplift, leaving them no choice but to take strike action.
“We are willing to get back round the table if FCC come back to us with fair offer.”
Clyde Loakes, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate and air quality, said they were disappointed over the lack of resolution to the long-running pay negotiation, adding: “The discussions remain between FCC Environment and its staff and are not within the council’s jurisdiction.
“But we would like to see both sides come to a swift resolution so that any pay increases can be paid in time for Christmas.”
A spokesman for FCC Environment said “our door remains open to talks” but it would not “negotiate through the media”
Throughout negotiations, the GMB has also raised concerns over “inadequate” staff facilities at the waste depot and “insufficient” water supplies for workers.
Union member Gary Bering said: “We are tired of FCC’s poor pay and conditions.
“We do a vital job for the borough, come rain or shine. The least we deserve is a decent pay packet so we can pay our bills.”
It comes amid unrest among binmen elsewhere in London that could lead to further strike action.
Last month the GMB union said it would formally ballot members who work in Richmond in another dispute over pay.
