Refuse collection workers in Brighton to stage fortnight of strike action
The row between the drivers and the council is over pay and conditions
Refuse collection workers in Brighton are to stage a two-week-long strike after talks failed to resolve a dispute.
Members of the GMB union working as drivers for contractors Cityclean at Brighton & Hove council will walk out on Tuesday, mounting picket lines.
The union claimed that unilateral decisions had been made around variations of duties, crew changes and planning for collections.
Officials said drivers' health and wellbeing was being affected.
GMB official Gary Palmer said:
"HGV drivers are being removed without reason at the whim of local management, ignoring all the council's own policies and procedures around raising issues around capability or disciplinary matters in a formal way.
"The bullying and harassment of GMB drivers before and during this dispute must stop."
The council said a proposed agreement is to be considered by GMB representatives on Tuesday which aims to resolve the dispute and avert any further strike action.
Nick Hibberd, the council's executive director for economy, environment and culture, said he was hopeful that prolonged strike action would not be necessary.
He said:
"To provide the best service for the city and to support staff, there are occasions where it's felt appropriate to make crew changes or move a member of staff from one round or crew to another.
"Changes are requested to prioritise areas where rubbish and recycling has unfortunately built up due to unavoidable staff shortages, vehicle break downs, or for performance reasons.
"We have listened to the concerns of staff about these requests, and we have made a number of detailed proposals which we hope GMB and the HGV drivers will agree on.
"I want to thank GMB for their willingness to meet and hold constructive talks and I also thank Cityclean staff for their continued hard work.
"I hope we can reach an agreement and work towards achieving our shared vision of a city where we tackle waste and recycling together, continue collaboratively with Cityclean modernisation plans and provide the best service for residents.
"We understand residents will have concerns about disruption in the coming days and once again reiterate our commitment to finding a positive resolution for both staff and the city."