Bin Strikes Set To Spread Across Sussex As Union Launches Fresh Ballot

GMB, the union that represents refuse workers in Sussex, has launched a new ballot for drivers in Adur and Worthing.

The latest ballot comes amid growing tensions between Eastbourne Borough Council and the union, which stopped council refuse vehicles and staff from crossing the picket line to carry out bin collections last Friday.

A new statement followed from EBC on January 7th.

"This morning a group of GMB Union representatives from outside Eastbourne blockaded our Courtlands Road depot to stop our vehicles and staff from collecting refuse in the town.

"In a clear breach of the regulations governing lawful picketing, the eight GMB Union representatives stood in front of the lorries as they tried to leave the depot.   

"It should be noted that the action by the GMB Union today follows a 7% pay rise offer made this week.  The GMB Union is demanding 25%.  

"There are just 19 staff on strike out of a workforce of 88.  Our staff turned up for work, but the GMB Union stopped them.

"Contrary to any suggestion otherwise, the drivers today are fully qualified and authorised to drive the waste collection vehicles.  

"We are liaising with Sussex Police and can assure our residents we are doing everything possible to collect the refuse and bring an end to this dispute.

"When the council took the service over in 2019 all staff received a 4% increase in pay.  In 2020 pay was increased again, this time by 2.75%.  

"Additionally, there is a national pay award negotiation underway and the current offer is 1.75%.
 
"Annual leave was also increased to 25 days for all staff.  Previously, many staff only received 20 days holiday. 
 
"With the above in mind, we believe this latest offer of a 7% increase for drivers and 3% for all other SEESL staff is very generous. We are still waiting to hear if it has been accepted. "

A new communication from GMB arrived yesterday evening (January 9th) announcing further strike dates from January 14 - 28, which will see up to 50,000 households affected.

Meanwhile a consultative ballot for refuse collectors in nearby Adur and Worthing will close on 19 January. 

GMB refuse collectors in Brighton successfully won improved pay, terms and conditions after a long-running strike at the end of last year. 

Mark Turner, GMB Branch Secretary, said: 

"Refuse collectors across the South Coast feel angry and unappreciated. 

“They do a dirty and difficult job and should get the respect and pay they deserve - that’s all GMB members are asking for. 

“No one seems to notice refuse collectors until they find their bins unemptied and the streets strewn with rubbish. Unfortunately, that’s what is about to happen. 

"Adur and Worthing council would do well to listen to the concerns of our members, rather than fight the inevitable like neighbouring Eastbourne Council.”