Binmen who were awarded up to a 27 per cent pay increase could be going on strike over alleged “bullying tactics” from management.

GMB representatives claim that frustrated staff in Wealden District have been “harassed” since being awarded the pay rise in May last year.

Organiser Gary Palmer said GMB members will be “back outside the gates” if there was no change.

He confirmed there would be a meeting between Biffa, which runs the service for the council, and the GMB today.

Strike action could come as soon as mid-May.

The Argus: Workers were given up to a 27 per cent pay riseWorkers were given up to a 27 per cent pay rise (Image: The Argus)

Mr Palmer said: “Since the dispute, they have harassed our members as a result of it. We and our members have been patient.

“But now we’re saying enough is enough, we need to be able to work without fear of being threatened, given a file note [warning], threat of losing our job. It’s all a result of the dispute where they won a fair and significant pay rise.

“If you can’t come around the table and put in proper policies and procedures to protect our members, then we’re back outside the gates.

“They have not forgiven the workforce for standing in solidarity. They have been persistently picking on them.

MOST READ:

“You can get a file note for complaining and another one for complaining about that file note. There is no form of appeal for the file note.

“It’s a bullying tool. They want them to come in and work in silence.”

The ballot would end on April 14, meaning strike action would come in mid-May.

A Biffa spokesman said: "We're due to meet with the union next week to understand their concerns."

The Argus: A different strike in Eastbourne in 2022A different strike in Eastbourne in 2022

Wealden District Council said it was an issue between waste contractor Biffa and its employees.

Biffa workers went on strike on May 2 last year before eventually agreeing a pay rise worth between 24 and 27 per cent.

The strike, which was at Biffa’s depot in Amberstone Road, Hailsham, saw some GMB members arrested on suspicion of obstructing the highway.

Carl Turner, Declan MacIntyre and Gary Palmer were found not guilty at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on March 24.