A BIN strike has continued, with further actioned planned for the rest of the month.

Industrial action by the GMB union began on April 25 amid an ongoing dispute with Wealden District Council and Biffa over pay.

Refuse workers employed by Biffa at Wealden District Council are set to continue their action until Saturday, June 25.

A spokesman for Wealden council said: “We sincerely regret that the strike by members of the GMB union working for Biffa in Wealden continues today.

“Our waste contractor, Biffa, has informed us that the GMB union has notified them of their intention to extend the strike action up to June 25,2022.  

“This is disappointing bearing in mind Biffa reiterates they remain committed to resolving this dispute and will continue to engage with representatives of the GMB union to reach a fair settlement for their employees and the residents of Wealden.”

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

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

“We enhanced the offer with a proposal for a 2-year deal which included significantly above inflation increases, 17 per cent for this year and a minimum of seven 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 ACAS and unfortunately members have chosen to continue with strike action. 

“We are working hard to minimise any disruption to service.”

The Wealden council spokesman added: “We understand that local GMB representatives have been commenting making statements regarding Biffa not engaging with them in meaningful negotiations.  

“Regrettably it is difficult to do so when those same representatives make statements such as ‘we mustn’t start negotiating until the rubbish piles up in the streets’.

“Biffa have made several improved offers to end this strike, all of which have been rejected by the GMB and their members.  

“In contrast there has been little movement on the pay demands from the GMB.”

Mark Turner, GMB B50 Branch Secretary said: “Biffa is obviously insisting that they have made a final offer and says clearly to everyone that they don’t care about the residents or their employees if it means our profit margins are going to be affected.

“We have seen Biffa repeat the same offer countless times, occasionally they insert and change the words ‘bonus’ for one off payments, or ‘consolidated’ and even ‘minimal increase’, but the actual headline figure for our members remains the same.

“Our members are continuing to say that this simply isn’t enough.”