The crews, who carried out collections on behalf of Mid Sussex council, were set to hold a second day of strikes at the Bridge Road depot in the town on 5 September, after their request for a 15% pay rise was declined. Earlier action took place on 29 August.
However, talks brokered by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) between the GMB trade union and Serco Environmental have resulted in a new offer to the workers.
The new agreement includes a one off non-consolidated payment of £250, bringing forward a review date for future pay increases, an improved sicknesses policy and local collective bargaining from October this year.
Negotiation
This is in addition to the current National Joint Council pay offer which was negotiated between major trade unions and local government employers.
“Members are looking forward to working with improved pay and conditions as a result of their action.”
Declan Macintyre, GMB regional organiser, said: “Members are pleased that they are able to accept the improved offer and bring this dispute to an end.
“The members are still saddened to be placed in to a situation of having to cause disruption to the residents of Mid Sussex and are apologetic to all affected.
“Members are looking forward to working with improved pay and conditions as a result of their action.”
GMB said that Serco’s offer was accepted “at the eleventh hour” by their members in Haywards Heath and strike action had led to a “huge improvement for members”.
A spokesperson for Serco stated that they were pleased to reach an agreement with GMB and to see the planned industrial action called off.
They added: “We worked very hard to minimise the disruption of the previous day of strike action.
“Only two vehicles did not go out on their rounds and missed collections were completed with the next few days.”
In a statement yesterday, Mid Sussex council said: “Our Waste and Recycling contractor, Serco, has reached an agreement with the GMB that means the today’s planned industrial action will not go ahead. Serco and the Council worked hard to minimise the disruption of last week’s action and thank those affected for their patience.”
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