Adur & Worthing next in line for bin strike as members vote for action

GMB is set to formally ballot refuse collector members for strike action in Adur and Worthing.

A consultative ballot, which closed today [19 January 2022] saw 92.5% of members unanimously vote in favour of industrial action.

GMB refuse collectors in nearby Brighton and Eastbourne have separately won above inflation pay rise after long-running strike action in recent weeks.

Mark Turner, GMB Branch Secretary, said:

“GMB has tried to speak to management at Adur and Worthing Council, but the message has been received loud and clear that they are not prepared to negotiate.

“Given what has happened up the road in Brighton and Eastbourne, you would have thought the council might want to nip this dispute in the bud.

“If they don’t receive a pay offer reflecting the value of their work, our members are very clear they will go on strike.

“We would apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused to the public by unemptied bins.

“We’ve tried to reach out to the council to no avail and it now appears action is inevitable. Any blame should now be directed at Adur and Worthing.

“Any resident unhappy at the prospect of rubbish piling up in the streets can contact their local councillor and ask them to lobby management to get back around the negotiating table.”