Brighton & Hove: CityClean Refuse Workers Strike

Refuse collectors in Brighton & Hove will begin a two-week strike tomorrow (Oct 6) but a resolution could be found straight away.

Brighton & Hove City Council's website has stated: 

The GMB has this evening confirmed that HGV drivers in the council’s refuse and recycling service Cityclean will start strike action tomorrow, but a proposed resolution agreement is to be considered by GMB representatives tomorrow which aims to resolve the dispute and avert any further strike action.

In an interview with Radio News Hub, Gary Palmer, GMB Organiser, said:

"A total of 54 HGV holding drivers will be taking strike action during the next 14 days after latest talks with Brighton and Hove City Council failed.

"Pickets will be in place from 5am each day.

"HGV drivers are being removed without reason at the whim of local management, ignoring all the council's own policies and procedures around raising issues around capability or disciplinary matters in a formal way.  

"The bullying and harassment of GMB drivers before and during this dispute must stop."
 
Speaking about resolution proposals, Nick Hibberd, the council’s Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture said he was hopeful that prolonged strike action would not be necessary, he said:
 
“To provide the best service for the city and to support staff, there are occasions where it’s felt appropriate to make crew changes, or move a member of staff from one round or crew to another.

"Changes are requested to prioritise areas where rubbish and recycling has unfortunately built up due to unavoidable staff shortages, vehicle break downs, or for performance reasons. 
 
“We have listened to the concerns of staff about these requests, and we have made a number of detailed proposals which we hope GMB and the HGV drivers will agree tomorrow.
 
“I want to thank GMB for their willingness to meet and hold constructive talks and I also thank Cityclean staff for their continued hard work.
 
“I hope we can reach agreement tomorrow and work towards achieving our shared vision of a city where we tackle waste and recycling together, continue collaboratively with Cityclean modernisation plans and provide the best service for residents.
 
“We understand residents will have concerns about disruption in the coming days and once again reiterate our commitment to finding a positive resolution for both staff and the city.”