Fresh bin strike ballot launched in Adur and Worthing as Eastbourne workers continue to protest
Refuse workers in Adur and Worthing are said to have contacted GMB Union feeling 'angry' and 'unappreciated'
Last updated 10th Jan 2022
Refuse collectors in Adur and Worthing will vote on whether to take industrial action as new strike dates are announced in Eastbourne.
The GMB Union said they were approached by workers who said they felt 'angry' and 'unappreciated'.
The consultative ballot will close on 19 January.
Meanwhile, refuse collectors in Eastbourne are taking their third day of industrial action today (Monday 10th January.)
Further strike dates have now been announced from January 14th – 28th, which will see up to 50,000 households affected.
Mark Turner, GMB Branch Secretary, said: "Refuse collectors across the South Coast feel angry and unappreciated.
“They do a dirty and difficult job and should get the respect and pay they deserve - that’s all GMB members are asking for.
“No one seems to notice refuse collectors until they find their bins unemptied and the streets were strewn with rubbish. Unfortunately, that’s what is about to happen.
"Adur and Worthing council would do well to listen to the concerns of our members, rather than fight the inevitable like neighbouring Eastbourne Council.”
At the end of last year, GMB refuse collectors in Brighton successfully won improved pay, terms and conditions after a long-running strike.
A spokesman for Adur & Worthing Councils said: "We look forward to meeting the GMB tomorrow (Tuesday 11/01/22) to discover for the first time what issues they have to raise.
‘In the meantime, we are continuing to conduct a review of the entire waste and recycling service in partnership with the officially recognised union, Unison.
"We applaud the tremendous work undertaken by teams during the pandemic who did not miss a collection round and have also recognised that, in some areas, terms and conditions of employment may need reviewing as we look to the future.
"In some cases, this has already led to improved terms and we will continue this process in full consultation with the workforce."