Brighton bin strike: council reveal pay increase

The council revealed that the strike cost it £859,000 per year following the dispute which saw it improve pay for staff at City Clean.

The Conservatives described the figure as “astronomically high”

Robert Nemeth, Conservative spokesman for environment, transport and sustainability, said: “When Labour and the Greens gave in to union demands for pay rises, the Conservative group gave clear warnings that the final pay out figure would be astronomically high, and now we of course find that it is.

"The quoted figure of nearly £1 million annually of course does not include the increased overtime and various other outgoings that became inevitable by virtue of the strike itself.

"This public money should have gone towards fixing the toilets on the seafront or weeding the pavements which are looking at their absolute worst at present.”

City Clean workers outside their depot in Hollingdean

The strike started on October 5 last year after a dispute over pay and working conditions.

There was also concern from the GMB union, which represented the striking workers, of unilateral imposed daily changes and the removal of drivers from long-standing rounds.

Rubbish piled up in the city over the course of two weeks

Brighton and Hove City Council would not initially reveal the figures behind the offer which put an end to the bin strike on October 19.

But the figures have now been published after a question was put in by the Conservatives for a meeting on April 7 at Hove Town Hall.

The strike cost the council £859,000 per annum (Image: The Argus)

A council spokesman said: “We have delivered a number of improvements to our refuse and recycling services since the dispute last year was resolved.

“The number of missed collections in March 2022 was less than half what they were in August 2021. 

“Similarly, the number of formal complaints about missed collections has dropped from 47 in August 2021 to 16 in March 2022. 

The council said the number of formal complaints about missed collections has dropped since the improved offer

“Crucially, all driver posts have been filled. We are currently recruiting to operative roles and have had a good response. Anyone interested in applying for these roles can do so on via the jobs section of our website: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/jobs

“As part of the new arrangements, drivers have now taken on a management role and are accountable for effective and efficient day-to-day performance. Grades have been reviewed to reflect new duties and accountabilities.

“Separately, the council is making changes to pay across the council to address issues related to low pay and the cost-of-living issues, and to reflect how the council values all staff across the range of council services.”