Union members accept deal that could end Brighton bin lorry strike

Hopes of ending industrial action by refuse collection drivers have risen after an agreement was reached in a bitter dispute over working conditions.

Members of the GMB union in Brighton and Hove have been on strike for weeks, leading to rubbish piling up in the streets.

It has now been confirmed by GMB that its members have accepted a deal put forward by the council.

If it is given the green light by the council, strike action will end tomorrow.

Gary Palmer, GMB organiser, said: “Subject to the council passing it at the Policy and Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday, an agreement between Brighton and Hove council and the GMB has been reached.

“If the agreement is passed by both parties, GMB will immediately suspend 30 days of strike action due to start on October 21.”

Watch: Gary Palmer, GMB Union

The union said the dispute and strike action came about over 'issues with the city’s green council over their refusal to intervene and settle ongoing disagreements around unilateral imposed daily changes' and 'removal of drivers from long standing rounds without fair process, by local management whim'.

Watch: What people in Brighton make of the situation

A Brighton and Hove Council spokesperson said: "We had positive talks yesterday and thank GMB representatives for meeting on a Sunday. 

"We’re pleased that the formal resolution proposal has this morning been agreed by GMB members and it will now be put forward to the council’s Policy & Resources Committee for ratification in the next few days.”

"We apologise to residents, business and visitors to the city for the disruption during the last few weeks and thank you for your patience.”