Refuse collectors call off strike

On Tuesday, GMB Union members working for Kier, Rother District Council’s waste collection contractor, gave notice of strike action this Thursday and Friday.

But today (Wednesday March 11) the GMB announced that the strike would be postponed for further talks.

Charles Harrity, GMB senior organiser, said “The suspension follows agreement reached during the negotiations around Health and Safety pay and bullying and intimidation. The company has put in place a number of measures which go some way to addressing the grievances of the workforce.”

But further strike action is threatened for later this month.

Mr Harrity said: “The agreement to suspend the action only applies to March 12 and 13. Should Kier Environmental not action their proposals as soon as possible the GMB members have made it clear at meetings this morning that they are prepared to take action on the other days already notified to company. Strike action is scheduled for March 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.

“This represents an opportunity for the company to address the outstanding issues which should help to rebuild confidence in the industrial relations process. GMB urges the company to act on this agreement as failure to do so would do more damage to the morale of staff and set industrial relations back further than they are now.”