Eastbourne Bin Strike To Go Ahead Today Despite Offer From Council

Friday, 7 January 2022 06:00

Eastbourne’s bin strike is set to go ahead today despite an offer being made by the local council.

GMB members working as waste collection HGV drivers will walk out today (January 7) and January 10 — with further dates to be announced.

Almost 50,000 households could be affected.

GMB met with council bosses yesterday, where they offered drivers approximately £12.30 per hour — some £1.20 short of the drivers claim for £13.50 per hour.

Before drivers had the chance to vote on the new offer, the council made a public statement outlining the deal.

Declan MacIntyre, GMB Organiser, said:

“All our drivers want is the going rate for HGV drivers – so they can make ends meet in an expensive part of the country.

"For the council to offer well below that shows they’re not serious about their workers and not serious about preventing disruption to 50,000 Eastbourne residents.

“For them to issue a misleading statement before their drivers have had time to vote on it shows a distinct lack of respect.

“The last thing these drivers want to do is strike – and they are so sorry about the impact this will have on the people of Eastbourne – but the barbaric working conditions they suffer leave them with no choice.”

In response, Eastbourne Borough Council released a second statement on December 6th:

"In response to the latest statement today (6/1/22) from the GMB Union we think it important to clarify the financial demands they are making.

"The GMB Union is demanding a 25% increase in pay for drivers. We have offered a 7% rise for drivers and a 3% rise for other SEESL staff.

"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 and hope it will be accepted."