Eastbourne residents face new year distruption as bin strike goes ahead
The dispute between the GMB Union and the South East Environmental Services will see almost 50,000 households affected
Last updated 30th Dec 2021
The 20 HGV drivers who work for South East Environmental Services Ltd, which is owned by Eastbourne Borough Council, voted unanimously for industrial action during the festive period over pay and 'barbaric’ conditions at their depot.
The dispute which will see almost 50,000 households affected, is going ahead as GMB Union members working as waste collection HGV drivers walk out on the first of their strike dates on New Year’s Eve, followed by further strike action on 7 January 2022 and 10 January 2022 - with further and an increasing number of dates set to be announced.
Striking staff will be outside picketing the SEESL Eastbourne Depot in Courtlands Road from 5.30am on each of 3 days.
GMB can also further announce that the company’s refuse loaders have now also voted to join the dispute along with their HGV drivers in the disagreement over poor pay and safety.
Representatives of the GMB Union finally got to meet with senior management 7 weeks after issues were first raised, but with no agreement reached GMB members are left with no alternative other than to withdraw their labour until management see sense.
Declan MacIntyre, GMB Organiser, said:
"The refuse loaders have voted to be formally balloted, to join their colleagues in the dispute and that’s come about because It has taken 7 weeks for management to even respond to the issues raised by staff.
"We finally met with senior management, in the hope of perhaps suspending our action, if agreement could be reached or talks were positive.
"But even with that initial meeting starting that way, and an employer seemingly beginning to understand the barbaric conditions of which staff are expected to work under and acknowledgement that things had gotten worse since coming under the control of the council, unfortunately, a reasonable offer wasn’t made, or agreement reached.
"Unfortunately, as we have not received any further communications from SEESL since 22nd December, and that means the walkouts will begin on New Year's Eve.
"Clearly, they are not taking the GMB Unions members issues and concerns seriously so the rubbish I’m afraid is going to remain uncollected for many and although all the staff deeply regret the impact on the residents of Eastbourne, SEESL has left them no choice.
"I urge SEESL to get back around the table so we can come to an agreement on the way forward on improvements on conditions and pay for all staff working for them or this dispute is going to escalate and escalate very quickly."
A Statement from Eastbourne Borough Council reads:
"The meeting held on 22nd December felt a positive step forward, so it is disappointing that GMB has not allowed time for management to follow up on the discussions before issuing further press statements using such misleading language.
"We believe that this action is wholly unnecessary and not in the best interests of either our residents or our staff. Our priority is ensuring the refuse collection service continues without interruption.
"We will continue to talk to the GMB and hope that all outstanding issues can be resolved as quickly as possible."