A BIN strike will go ahead in Eastbourne on Friday after a row over pay and “barbaric” conditions, says GMB Union.

GMB Union and South East Environmental Services Ltd (SEESL) could not reach an agreement, with the union claiming it has not received communication from the organisation since December 22.

Twenty HGV drivers who work for SEESL, which is owned by Eastbourne Borough Council, voted unanimously for industrial action during the festive period. The company’s refuse loaders have also joined the strike in the disagreement over poor pay and safety.

GMB Union state it finally got to meet with senior management at SEESL seven weeks after issues were first raised, but the union added it has been left with “no other alternative” other than to withdraw workers until management “see sense”.

The workers will be striking on New Year’s Eve this Friday, as well as between January 7 and January 10, with more dates to be announced.

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 got 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 walk outs will begin on New Years 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 have 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.”

Eastbourne Borough Council said: "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."

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