BREAKING: Brighton Waste Collection Strike: Union Approves Deal

GMB, the union representing striking refuse workers in Brighton & Hove, have approved a deal negotiated with the council yesterday.

The deal will be put to vote at a council meeting tomorrow and, if approved, the workers will call off the new strike, which was due to begin on Thursday.

It's after the GMB and the City Council met yesterday to attempt to resolve the industrial dispute that's brought a 13th day of no collections, and the threat of further action.

But complexity was added on Saturday when the city council announced it had appointed "waste removal contractors" to start clearing side waste from areas worst affected by uncollected rubbish piling-up. 

Contractors are also expected to begin cleaning bin storerooms early today.

A city council spokesperson said:

"This is because of the council’s serious concerns around public health and safety and because of the fires which have been started in recent days at overflowing communal bins."

"This now a significant risk for drivers and all pavement users, but especially disabled people, people with prams and pushchairs and the elderly."

Ahead of today's planned talks, the GMB organiser in the city, Gary Palmer wrote in social media:

"Hope that we can complete talks this time to secure a suspension of the 30 days of industrial action planned from Thurs 21st Oct. 

"And get the clean up underway."

The hoped-for talks later today follow twelve days of Cityclean drivers missing collections, leading to reports of rodent activity among rotting waste that's giving off offensive odours in places.

The dispute, which refuse workers say is over pay, changes of duties and the removal of drivers from long-standing routes, grew into industrial action on Tuesday 5th October.

According to the city council, all household and communal bin waste and recycling services are affected, as are garden and trade waste services. 

The local authority said that the proposal being brought to today's meeting includes what council officials called "a significant and generous pay offer from the council, benefiting some of the lowest paid staff across the whole council, as well as the Cityclean service."

A council spokesperson also said on Saturday:

“At a special meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee on Wednesday 13 October, councillors from all political groups in a formal resolution emphasised the need for council officers to obtain best value for taxpayers and address low pay.

“The agreement we’re trying to reach is a serious offer for a serious situation.

"None of us want to see the piles of rubbish mounting up and to see the city we all love and care about in such a sad situation, but it’s vitally important that the council’s negotiation team work through the financial and legal implications of any agreement.

“The council fully respects the decision made by some Cityclean staff to strike and we’re keen to address the issues that have been raised by staff, protect the health and safety of our residents and get the city clean as soon as possible."

Today's meeting is due to begin at 11.30am.