@ eagerbeaver: Why?
If ATC tells them to speed up they will otherwise they'll default to their econ descent speed, whatever that may be!
I think that's entirely appropriate. When I flew for them the econ descent spd on the 737 was less than 280kts. We regularly did less unless a specific speed was requested by ATC.
What's the problem?
We are all aviators and I'm trying to do my bit for the company. If ATCO units have an issue let them liaise with our Management, there are appropriate channels for this sort of thing