Refuse collectors in West Cumbria will return to work on Thursday after they agreed to accept a pay deal from their employers.
Workers have been on strike since May, but have now voted to accept a pay offer from their employer, Allerdale Waste Services.
Following negotiations, brokered by the conciliation service ACAS, loaders were offered an increase in pay from £10.90 an hour to £11.81 (8.3 per cent) while the drivers who are legally required to hold a HGV licence will see their pay increase from £11.99 an hour to £13.62 an hour (13.6 per cent.)
The members were balloted on the offer and it was accepted.
As part of the agreement the workforce will see their working hours reduced to 37 hours a week, they will receive a double time payment for working on bank holidays plus a day off in lieu. Further policies to improve the overall working environment will also be enacted.
They took industrial action because they said they wanted parity with their colleagues in Copeland.
Allerdale Waste Services is a company owned by Cumberland Council.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This was a hard fought and well-earned victory by our members who were determined to secure a decent pay increase. Once the employer understood that our members were not prepared to budge on their just demands, a settlement that met their expectations was agreed.”
The GMB union was also involved in the dispute.
Charles Holmes, managing director of Allerdale Waste Services, added: “The successful resolution of this industrial action is a testament to the commitment and dedication of all parties involved. We have upheld our principles of open dialogue and have worked to find a fair and sustainable agreement.
“I would very much like to thank the team here at Allerdale Waste Services who have worked tirelessly over the past few months to continue to collect household waste throughout this period of industrial action.
“I am confident that this resolution will allow us to continue providing excellent waste collection services while respecting the contributions of all our valued employees. Work will now commence to safely reintroduce all waste collection services in a phased approach over the coming weeks.
“Further details for residents will be available soon.”
Council officers are also carrying out a comprehensive review of waste collection services throughout the entire Cumberland area.
The review will encompass all aspects of service provision, including the terms and conditions of all staff. Employees and union representatives will be actively involved in this review process, the council said.
