Brighton bin strike: GMB union agrees deal to end dispute

A union has agreed a deal to end Brighton and Hove's bin strike.

The GMB said it had approved a deal negotiated by its representatives and Brighton and Hove City Council.

The deal will be put to a vote at a meeting of the council on Tuesday. If approved, the GMB said it would call off a planned month-long strike.

On Sunday, private firms were called in to tackle the piles of rubbish dumped in the city's streets over the past fortnight.

Brighton & Hove City Council said it had only called in third parties as blocked pavements and vermin became a "growing and serious" health issue.

GMB branch secretary Mark Turner said it was now up to the council to vote and "in their hands".

The union had called the strike action over concerns about drivers being removed from long-standing rounds, and their pay.

Mr Turner said: "It always has been about respect for the difficult job our members do in the city, and often the difficult circumstances and poor equipment they often must put up with to carry out that role."

A spokesman for the council said: "We're pleased that the formal resolution proposal has this morning been agreed by GMB members and will now be put forward to the council's Policy & Resources Committee for ratification on Tuesday."

He said: "The significant and generous deal will benefit some of the lowest paid staff across the whole council as well as the Cityclean service and recognises their immense daily contribution to the city and vital support during the pandemic."

The council apologised to residents, business and visitors to the city for the disruption.

Mr Turner said members knew the disruption had been difficult, adding the action had been "our last resort".

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].