Bin strikes by Serco workers in Bexley could last until October without council intervention, the union Unite has warned.

The strikes, involving 140 refuse workers based at the Serco depot in Thames Road, near Dartford, began on July 12 and the workers are now in their fourth week of strike action in a dispute over pay and alleged victimisation.

Unite accused council leader Teresa O’Neill of ignoring requests to meet with the union’s representatives, but acknowledges the council has said it is willing to work with Unite and Serco to find a solution to end the strike.

Talks between Unite and Serco are due to take place this week, mediated by the conciliation service Acas.

Unite says around 50 staff are owed substantial back pay, with some workers owed thousands of pounds because Serco has failed to pay workers according to stipulated pay scales.

This has resulted in existing drivers being paid just £22,000 a year, while new recruits are paid £28,000 for the same roles.

The union also says Serco has "weaponised its drug and alcohol testing policy in order to victimise union members, while failing to provide any advice or support to workers who are experiencing problems with substance misuse."

Unite regional officer Tabusam Ahmed said: "Our members do not want to strike and are well aware of the inconvenience caused to residents. Unfortunately, they have no choice because Serco has refused to put forward any proposals that could end this dispute.

"Unless Bexley council intervenes, these strikes could last until October. The council has stated that it wants a solution to be found. But promises to meet with Unite so far have amounted to nothing but empty words.

"Our members won’t give up until the pay and drug testing issues are addressed. They have done nothing wrong and it is time for Bexley council to make Serco face up to its responsibilities."

Last year more than 150 workers from the Thames Road depot went on strike over claims of "paltry pay" and an "insidious bullying culture".

Cabinet member for places, Cllr Peter Craske: “We have been urging both parties to talk and we are pleased that they are holding their second meeting with Acas today. It is not for us to get involved in these conversations. There is a national agreement between Serco and Unite that strike action is abandoned once arbitration is underway but the union have decided not to honour that agreement.

"We hope that a resolution can be found that will put an end to the disruption affecting our residents. In October the contract will switch from Serco to a new contractor following a lengthy procurement process.

"A fundamental part of the new contract is our insistence that staff be paid the London Living Wage. Staff will receive far bigger pay rises than many other people in Bexley, which makes the strike even more baffling.

"We support the Serco’s drug and alcohol testing for staff working in Bexley. Staff need to be checked to ensure their safety as well as the safety of our residents.

"The majority of Serco staff in Bexley continue to work and are putting in extra hours to provide a service to our residents. They are continuing to collect residents’ food waste, although not always on the normal scheduled day.”

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