A bin lorry drive by and mass demonstration will take place outside Brighton Magistrates this morning (March 24) as three GMB officers appear in court.
The ‘GMB Three’ were arrested during what the GMB says was a lawful industrial dispute with Biffa during May 2022.
They were charged with wilful obstruction of a highway on 27 May 2022 at Amberstone depot.
They deny all allegations.
Before the case is heard by the court there will be a demonstration and a drive by of bin lorries by those who support the ‘GMB Three’.
Mark Turner, GMB Branch Secretary said:
“The continuation of the case against the ‘GMB Three’ is frankly a waste of public money.
“All those who believe in human rights, the right to freedom of assembly and protest should be watching this case closely.
“It is a blatant attempt by employers and the state to remove the rights of those who wish to protest.
“The ‘GMB Three’ robustly deny the allegations against them.
“The way to resolve industrial disputes is for employers to take their employees concerns seriously and negotiate meaningfully with the GMB.
“Heavy handed tactics to use the law to stifle this sort of peaceful protest resolves nothing.
“We look forward to the case finally coming to court on Friday and hope that the right to protest and assembly is protected.”
The demonstration will take place outside Brighton Magistrates Court on Edward Street in Brighton. at 9.30am.
UPDATE:
The case against three GMB officers accused of wilful obstruction of the highway collapsed this morning [Friday].
The GMB Union has said that the charge was an attempt to restrict people’s right to protest and feed families.
The ‘GMB Three’ were found not guilty following their arrest in May 2022 during a lawful industrial dispute with Biffa in Wealden.
The crown put forward no evidence at Brighton Law Courts.
Gary Palmer, GMB Officer and one of the ‘GMB Three’, said:
“This was always a political case about the rights of people during a cost of living crisis to win enough money to look after their families.
“Our members were taking part in lawful industrial action to win a decent pay rise.
“This was an attempt by the company and the police to restrict the right to protest.
“Today’s case shows exactly why people who want fight for better pay and conditions at work should join GMB”
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