Friday 10 June 2022 10:28 PM Rubbish strike shows no sign of ending as binmen vow to continue industrial ... trends now
A rubbish strike has shown no signs of ending as binmen have vowed to continue the industrial action - as 65,000 Wealden residents' bins remain overflowing.
The GMB union has said the ongoing strike will 'bring misery for foreseeable future' and is now forecast until June 25 after Biffa refused to meet with the union representing refuse workers.
Tory MP Maria Caulfield, who represents the Lewes constituency, offered to impartially mediate a meeting to help end the dispute - either in Westminster or locally - which began a month ago.
However, her offer was rejected by the employers of striking workers.
Biffa workers who are members of the Unison union accepted the deal, which Wealden District Council claimed was a 17 per cent increase 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.
Meanwhile, 98 per cent of GMB members who rejected the offer claimed there were 'red lines' they wouldn't cross, reports Sussex Live.
A rubbish strike has shown no signs of ending as binmen have vowed to continue the industrial action - as 65,000 Wealden residents' bins remain overflowing
The GMB union has said the ongoing strike will 'bring misery for foreseeable future' and is now forecast until June 25 after Biffa refused to meet with the union representing refuse workers
Some 65,000 residents in Uckfield, Polegate and Crowborough remain affected - as rubbish continues to pile high in many areas. Pictured: GMB Union bin strikes
She said 'I am extremely disappointed that Biffa do not want to return to the negotiating table with myself as an impartial chair to facilitate a meeting. I have offered to clear my diary and host a meeting in Westminster or in the constituency on any day this week, and despite the GMB accepting this, Biffa do not want to continue to negotiate.
'Residents in Wealden District, including those in Polegate, East Dean, Alfriston and the surrounding villages that I represent, are fed up of this bin strike and want both sides to find a solution as soon as possible. For the good of local people I have offered to step in and to mediate in the dispute, and I would urge Biffa to continue discussions aimed at ending the dispute.
'I would like to thank Wealden District Council for doing what they
