Bexley bin strikes suspended for negotiations to continue

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.

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.

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.”

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.