Strike Suspended: Chichester Bin Workers Secure Pay Boost
The GMB union, representing refuse and recycling workers, has called off planned strike action in Chichester for the New Year after members accepted a fresh pay deal from Chichester District Council.
Major Pay Increase Secured
The new offer adds a 5% Environmental Factors allowance on top of the recent 10% national pay rise. This means workers will see a whopping 13.4% to 15.1% inflation-busting pay hike this year.
HGV drivers at the depot also keep their market supplement for another two years with an extra 4.1% pay rise starting January. Plus, all current terms and conditions stay intact, and back pay dating back to June 2022 will hit pay packets this December.
Union Leaders Praise Deal, Warn Strike Could Return
Mark Turner, GMB B50 Branch Secretary, said: “Our members’ yes vote means the strike threat for January 2023 is lifted—though this is just a suspension, not a cancellation. We’ll only call off strikes permanently once all payment increases are confirmed.”
Gary Palmer, GMB Regional Organiser, added: “This isn’t the end for refuse and recycling workers. These key workers are tough, working all weather removing the growing mountain of rubbish residents dump. Councils have a simple choice: negotiate like Chichester or face industrial chaos with rubbish piling up and services grinding to a halt.”
Palmer warned: “While we hope others follow Chichester’s lead, too often they don’t. We’re already preparing for more claims from our members across 2023.”
Chichester Deal Sends Strong Message to Councils
- GMB calls off New Year strike in Chichester after pay offer accepted
- Workers get combined pay rise of up to 15.1% including local uplift
- HGV drivers retain market supplements plus 4.1% increase
- Back pay to June 2022 paid in December salary
- Union warns strike threat remains until payments are confirmed
This victory for refuse workers highlights the rising war for decent pay in the essential but often overlooked recycling and street cleansing sector.
