UNION representatives blocked bin lorries from leaving their depot as the strike over pay and working conditions continued today.

Eastbourne Borough Council said it is the third time representatives from GMB Union have stood in front of lorries at the Courtlands Road depot in Eastbourne, stopping non-striking staff from collecting refuse from houses.

The council said it is working with Sussex Police and following their guidance on dealing with the GMB Union blockade.

Last week, the GMB Union rejected a seven per cent pay rise offer, approximately £12.30 an hour, which falls short of the drivers’ claim for £13.50 per hour.

The council state that the union is demanding a 25 per cent pay increase, while the union say it is demanding about 20 per cent.

The council also offered a new space for drivers which will replace the current tea hut so workers can have space to meet before shifts and have refreshments.

GMB argue that refuse workers across the South Coast deserve respect and feel “angry and unappreciated” for their work in what is a “dirty and difficult job”.

The Argus: GMB say further strikes could happen across SussexGMB say further strikes could happen across Sussex

On Friday, another week of action was added by the union from January 14 to January 28.

A spokesman said: "The GMB Union has again today (10/1/22) blockaded our Courtlands Road depot.

"This is the third time representatives of the GMB Union from outside Eastbourne have stood in front of our vehicles, stopping our staff from collecting refuse from local homes.

"We are working with Sussex Police and adhering to their guidance on dealing with the GMB Union blockade.

“On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week our staff will be catching up with refuse collections. Residents should put their refuse bins out for collection. Recycling will not be collected at this time.

The Argus: HGV drivers are currently on strike HGV drivers are currently on strike

“It is important to make clear that only 19 out of 88 staff are on strike and the staff driving the refuse vehicles today are fully qualified and authorised to do so. Any suggestion otherwise by the GMB Union is false.

“Last week the GMB Union rejected a 7 per cent pay rise offer, they are demanding 25 per cent. It is worth noting that the government pay rise offer to nurses is 3 per cent.

“When the council took over the service in 2019 all staff received a 4 per cent increase in pay. In 2020 pay was increased again, this time by 2.75 per cent.

“Additionally, there is a national pay award negotiation underway and the current offer is 1.75 per cent.

“Annual leave was also increased to 25 days for all staff. Previously, many staff only received 20 days holiday.”

Declan MacIntyre, GMB Union organiser, said on Friday that all drivers want is the “going rate” so they can “make ends meet” in an expensive part of the country.

He added that the council’s offer suggest it is “not serious” about its workers and preventing disruption to 50,000 people living in Eastbourne.

GMB Union also revealed last night that strike action could spread west to Adur and Worthing, announcing that a consultative ballot for drivers is closing on January 19.

The GMB Union and Sussex Police has been approached for comment.

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