Victory for GMB in Eastbourne Bin Dispute

The Eastbourne bin strike has ended today in a ‘massive win for GMB members’. Refuse collectors in the town had already taken six days of strike action including today and were set for eight more walk outs in the coming weeks. But GMB members this morning formally accepted an improved, above inflation pay offer of almost 19 per cent from the council. 

The offer includes 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. 

In addition, there will be steps to replace to improve the old and outdated welfare facilities at the depot, including new shower and rest facilities. 

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."

The GMB members were joined on the picket line this morning by Lloyd Russell-Moyle the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown (pictured) 

Next Trades Council Meeting: 18th January- SOLIDARITY with the Eastbourne Bin Strikers

The next meeting of the Eastbourne Trades Council will be at 7.00pm, on Tuesday 18th January 2022, via Zoom.  All Eastbourne trade unionists are welcome to attend. 

Please register in advance by clicking here

The main item of business for the meeting will be hearing from the GMB about progress in the bin strike.  It is really important that we get the workers' case across, and other local union reps are in a great position to spread the truth in their workplaces and communities.  Please come along at least for this part of the meeting, even if you can't stay for later items. 

A G E N D A 

1. Introductions and apologies for absence and approval of any new affiliations.

2. EASTBOURNE BIN STRIKE:  Update from GMB Union representatives, how do we build solidarity, and what are the next steps for challenging low pay, poor conditions and bullying management in Eastbourne? 

3. Minutes of previous meeting (September 2021) and matters arising.

5. Treasurer's Report

6. Campaigning reports from affiliated Unions and other campaigning organisations.

7. Len Caine Award 2022

8. Any Other Business

Solidarity with Eastbourne Bin Staff

Trades Unionists in Eastbourne are standing firm in solidarity with GMB members employed by Eastbourne Borough Council (through an "arms length company owned by the council)  who are striking against poverty pay and appalling work conditions.

HGV drivers are on wages well below the industry standard, whilst other collection staff are on poverty pay, and pounds an hour below staff doing the same job in Lewes- employed by the same managers in the same council-owned "arms length" company.

After three days of strike action, the Lib Dem controlled Eastbourne Borough Council has resorted to issuing misleading statements and using their councillors to push anti-union lines to try and belittle the strikers' case, demonise the union, and turn the people of Eastbourne against their low paid workers.

Disgracefully, we have seen so-called "progressive" local councillors like former People's Assembly supporter Lib Dem Helen Burton now issuing Thatcher-like anti union statements, whilst Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Josh Babarinde issues weasel words about having met with "the workers" whilst then attacking the union officials.  Oldest union-bashing trick in the book! 

The elected councillors can't shift the blame to the "officers" or the "negotiators".  They need to show some leadership and direct the council managers-  managers directly accountable to the elected officials to negotiate seriously and in good faith. 

Today, the GMB announced that they would press on with 11 days of further strike action. 

"Ending walk-outs and stopping rubbish pile up was within the grasp of the council if they showed real willingness to meet," says GMB Union 

"Eastbourne refuse collectors will go ahead with a further 11 days of industrial action after the council refused to meet with GMB Union. The union says a face-to-face negotiation is vital to talks as the lead representative, Mark Turner, is visually impaired and struggles to use Zoom and similar online platforms."

Eastbourne Borough Council has so far ignored requests for a meeting on 12 January and a request for a meeting on 13 January has also thus far been left unanswered. Mark Turner, GMB B50 Branch Secretary said:

'The council’s only focus appears at this time is to try to break the strike and blames GMB for the inconvenience to the residents of Eastbourne. We hoped they might take responsibility for this mess - given they’ve moved the service back towards being in-house through an arms-length company. Since then they have done nothing to improve the poverty pay rates or welfare, health and safety of their workers. 

My visual impairment means that online meetings can be difficult for me and in person conferences allow me to be properly involved in the discussions - especially when they are so important.  Unfortunately this simple request appears to be beyond the council, so we have to waste our time chasing them to meet rather than resolving the dispute and bringing the strike to a conclusion. 

Ending walk-outs and avoiding rubbish piling up in the city’s streets was within the grasp of the council if they only showed a real willingness to get back around the negotiating table.'"