Leeds equal pay bin strike ends

Unions have called off their 11-week bin strike in Leeds after refuse workers voted to accept Leeds council's latest pay offer.

The dispute began on 7 September when hundreds of workers walked out over union claims that a new cross-council pay grading system intended to equalise pay between male and female employees would cut some refuse workers' wages by up to £5,000. The council claimed that the most any worker would lose was £3,000 per annum.

The strike was called off after 79% of 600 union members voted in favour of the council’s latest offer. The offer included a condition that 20 staff will get pay cuts but most will get small increases, as long as they meet productivity targets.

Both sides claimed victory in the dispute. Leeds council Leader Richard Brett told the BBC he was “delighted” with the “good news.”

“We have been able to work up slightly amended proposals which completely eradicate pay losses for many workers,” he said.

Neil Derrick, regional officer of the GMB union, said that members had voted emphatically because they recognise the victory that their solidarity has delivered.

“Twelve weeks ago they faced savage pay cuts and privatisation but today they have agreed to return to work on Wednesday with both these threats removed,” he told the BBC.