Eastbourne Bin Strike Ends Today With "Massive Win" For Union

Wednesday, 19 January 2022 08:04

By Jade McLean

The GMB Union have ended their strike ahead of eight more scheduled days of strike action following a "whopping" 19% pay rise.

The action ended yesterday (January 18) following six days of strike action during which GMB members and Eastbourne Borough Council battled it out over a pay rise for drivers.

In a statement, GMB said it had "formally accepted an improved, above inflation pay offer of almost 19 per cent from the council" which would include "a minimum rise this year of 11 per cent and a guarantee their hourly rate will reach a minimum of £13.50 per hour in April 2023 – a 19 per cent rise in total".

In October, GMB refuse collectors in nearby Brighton won an above inflation pay rise after long-running strike action.

Gary Palmer, GMB Organiser, said:

“GMB members have flexed their industrial muscle and got the above inflation pay rise they deserve.

"The people of Eastbourne have backed them all the way – despite the inconvenience they've had to face.

"Other employers should take note, GMB members know their own worth and are not scared to take bosses on.”

Eastbourne Borough Council also released a statement yesterday confirming that "a new offer that includes a flat rate of £12.50 an hour for all drivers has been accepted".

They added:

"While we were not prepared to meet the unrealistic demands made by the GMB Union, we believe this is a fair and appropriate award for our staff.

"The highest paid drivers will receive a 5% increase and the lowest paid drivers 15%.

"All staff will return to work tomorrow (Wednesday 19 January). Our teams will be catching up with collections as quickly as possible.

"We’d like to thank our residents for their understanding and patience during this dispute."

Refuse collectors will resume work today, Wednesday, January 19th.