Wealden: Bin strike continuing after latest Biffa offer rejected

Refuse workers employed by Biffa at Wealden District Council are set to continue their action at the depot in Amberstone Road, Hailsham, until Saturday, June 11.

The latest offer from Biffa would mean a pay increase of up to 17 per cent this year, plus a £600 performance-related bonus.

The increase would see loader operatives on more than £23,000 annually, while higher paid driver roles would receive “equally generous increases”.

It was rejected by the GMB Union, but accepted by Unison which also has members working for Biffa.

The GMB Union said Biffa’s offers “don’t come near” what they’re asking for. It said 98 per cent of its members rejected the latest pay offer.

Piles of rubbish from a recent strike in Adur and Worthing

Gary Palmer, regional organiser for the GMB, told The Argus: “The 17 per cent, some of that will include money they have already got which has been allocated, so we think it’s a rehash of old money.

“If you give low paid workers a percentage, it’s still a low pay rise. We have made it simple, we have asked for £15.50 an hour for HGV drivers, £14.50 for LGV drivers which are the smaller cage vehicles and £12.50 for the loaders.

“Biffa’s offers don’t come anywhere near that, it’s about £1.50 to £2 short on all of that.

“We put the latest offer to our members and the rejection was 98 per cent. We’re at a stage now where we’re happy to continue the talks.

Eastbourne refuse workers striking in January

“It was Biffa yesterday saying they have put their final offer on the table. But we’re willing to negotiate, I don’t think we were that far away really. It would mean compromise.

“What they’re offering now is not a compromise, it is still way under what these guys can live on.”

A Biffa spokesman said: “​We’re disappointed that the GMB has rejected our improved offer.

"We enhanced the offer with a proposal for a two-year deal which included significantly above-inflation increases (17 per cent for this year and a minimum of 7 per cent next year), a cash lump sum, and pay parity with the other two councils in the East Sussex contract.

"The offer was made following a constructive day of negotiations facilitated by The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. It is disappointing that the members have chosen to continue with strike action. 

"We are working hard to minimise any disruption to service."

The strike started on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.