Members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, who have been striking in the London borough of Bexley in a dispute over pay and working conditions have agreed to suspend industrial action.

The workers are employed by Countrystyle Recycling, which is responsible for the refuse collection contract in Bexley.

Strikes suspended

The strikes will be suspended from tomorrow (Thursday 28 July) until Friday 19 August. Strike action in the dispute began on Tuesday 12 July.

The agreement to suspend the strike action was brokered by the conciliation service Acas following talks with Unite and Countrystyle Recycling.

While the strike action is suspended further in-depth negotiations will be held, these negotiations will also be held under the auspices of Acas.

Extensive negotiations 

Unite acting national officer Clare Keogh said: “Following extensive negotiations held at Acas, sufficient progress was made to allow Unite to suspend strike action.

“It is hoped that during further in-depth negotiations the remaining outstanding issues can be resolved and a satisfactory resolution to the dispute reached.”

Agreement needed

If the negotiations do not lead to an agreement which is acceptable to Unite’s members then strike action will resume on Saturday 20 August.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Bexley bin strikes extend into August over pay and attacks on T&Cs

For more information please contact Unite senior communications officer Barckley Sumner on 020 3371 2067 or 07802 329235.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions for members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Sharon Graham.