Bin strike announced by Biffa workers for Wealden

Refuse workers employed by Biffa at Wealden District Council will be striking over pay.

GMB, the union for refuse and recycling workers, announced this afternoon that staff are “unhappy” with the pay deal they have been offered.

They are demanding pay rises across the service, which would put loaders on £12.50 per hour, LGV drivers on £14.50 per hour and HGV drivers on £17.50 per hour. 

The strike is due to start on Monday, April 25, and is scheduled to last two weeks.

However, the strike will continue if “talks are not productive”.

Marine Place in Worthing

The announcement comes the same day refuse workers in Worthing represented by GMB agreed to pause strike action following positive talks over the weekend in regard to pay and working conditions.

GMB Union will be meeting Biffa management from Thursday, April 21.

Gary Palmer, GMB regional organiser, said: "GMB's members employed by Biffa within Wealden District Council are unhappy with the pay deal they have been offered. 

"Based on the vital work they have been doing throughout the various lockdowns and on market rates, they believe that they deserve a more significant pay uplift. 

"Biffa and the council have almost two weeks before the strike action commences. 

"They still have time to prevent the action and any knock-on effect this will have on residents and local businesses - they just need to get around the negotiating table with GMB and make our members an offer which better reflects the work they do every day, come rain or shine." 

A Biffa spokesman said: "We are in active and ongoing negotiations with the unions and remain committed to reaching a solution as quickly as possible."