I was proud to join GMB union members on the picket line this Monday morning to support the refuse workers’ strike. The mismanagement of labour relations by the Conservative Brighton and Hove Council has plunged the city into a full scale dispute with workers which I hope can be resolved soon and equitably.

After six months of talks the Conservative Council is proposing cuts to pay of up to £8,000. It is nothing short of disgraceful that cuts on this scale could be proposed as a means to resolve the equal pay dispute. Many refuse collectors would be faced with the prospect of earning less than half the average salary in Brighton. In the circumstances it is not surprising that there was a 94% vote for strike action.

Tags: Brighton and Hove City Council, GMB, Refduse Workers' Strike

Posted on November 10, 2009 in City Council, Out and About in Brighton, Tory Cuts, Trades Unions.