Piles of rubbish have been seen beside bins in Tower Hamlets amidst strike action by refuse workers.

A video posted on TikTok shows multiple mountains of waste in Brick Lane, as well as rubbish scattered across pavements and spilling out of bins.

Strike action by Tower Hamlets refuse workers who are members of Unite the Union started on Monday September 18 and are scheduled to last until October 1. 

Unite claims the workers would be accepting real term pay cuts if they agree to a national pay offer increase of £1,925.

One TikTok user said: "I live here and can't get out my front door, and can't open my windows because of the smell."

 

@cockneycreatives #bricklane #london #eastlondon #eastend #messylondon #e1 #e2 #strike #towerhamlets #towerhamletscouncil ♬ original sound - The Cockney Adventurer

 

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: "During the strike bulky waste collections will be suspended in order that staff can focus on collections."

"Residents can take their waste to the Reuse and Recycling Centre in Yabsley Street."

The council has recommended a list of action residents can take, including "working together and adopting sustainable practices, [to] overcome these challenges and continue to build a community that values the environment".

A full list of advice can be found on the council's website.