THE GMB have claimed “inflammatory statements” made by councillors could lead to attacks on striking bin workers.

The union has said social media statements and press comments by Adur and Worthing Councils could see striking members “facing abuse or even assault” when the industrial action ends.

GMB representatives highlighted statements from Worthing Council, including the leader and deputy leader of Worthing Council, who have taken to social media to condemn “unnecessary and provocative industrial action” and claiming “goodwill and patience will suffer if the GMB continue to hold the council and our residents to ransom”.

Branch secretary Mark Turner said: “Whilst the GMB is used to being attacked during disputes, especially by Tory councillors, it should be remembered that anti-trade union comments for either political gain or personal satisfaction might have consequences for GMB members simply seeking a better pay deal.

“Those sorts of comments and the current negative narrative being played out by some leave our members fearful of potential reprisals from the public who could take such remarks literally.”

Mr Turner also said the comments “bring back memories” from a statement made by former Brighton and Hove Conservative councillor Joe Miller, who referred to the GMB as “terrorists” and compared strikers to Somali pirates.

Gary Palmer, regional organiser for the GMB, said that the consequences of the strike could have been avoided if the council had taken action sooner to address the dispute.

The union is set to meet with the council tomorrow.

Mr Palmer said: “We will, of course, be mindful of what has gone before, yet positively seek to work along with our workplace reps and council officials to reach a deal which satisfies all at the table.”

Adur and Worthing Councils have hit back at “misleading statements that are being made in public” about the ongoing bin strike and have said that “we are doing all we can to bring an end to what we still consider unnecessary and provocative industrial action”.

The industrial dispute has now entered its fourth week, with talks ongoing to find a solution to end the strike action.