THE case against the so-called “GMB three” accused of wilful obstruction of the highway dramatically collapsed today.

Three of the general union’s officers were arrested in May last year during a lawful industrial dispute with waste management company Biffa in Wealden, East Sussex.

But they were found not guilty at Brighton Law Courts today after the crown put forward no evidence.

Gary Palmer — one of the officers involved — welcomed the outcome, saying: “This was always a political case about the rights of people during a cost-of-living crisis to win enough money to look after their families.

“Our members were taking part in lawful industrial action to win a decent pay rise.

“This was an attempt by the company and the police to restrict the right to protest,” he charged. 

Mr Palmer argued that the case “shows exactly why people who want to fight for better pay and working conditions should join GMB.”