Eastbourne’s refuse collectors are set for a festive strike in a dispute over pay and safety.
GMB members working as waste collection HGV drivers will walk out on New Year’s Eve, 7 January 2022 and 10 January 2022 - with further dates to be announced.
Almost 50,000 households could be affected.
All 19 drivers work for South East Environmental Services Ltd, which is owned by Eastbourne Council, voted unanimously for industrial action during the festive period over pay and 'barbaric’ conditions at their depot.
GMB is set to meet with management next week in a bid to avoid the dispute.
Declan MacIntyre, GMB Organiser, said:
“All the staff deeply regret the impact to the Eastbourne residents they serve and sincerely apologise to all if the strike does need place.
“Unfortunately, our members have been left with no choice.
“Their pay is near minimum wage while inflation runs rampant, while the way they are treated and their working conditions are almost barbaric.
“We want to sit down to sort this out. We have offered several dates to sit down and attempt to stop this dispute impacting on the residents of Eastbourne and our members. "
