AN end to the row over bin workers’ pay could be negotiated this week after Brighton and Hove City Council made an improved offer to the GMB union.
Union members want Cityclean’s 38 HGV lorry drivers put on a higher pay grade after six street cleaning staff were awarded the same money.
They claim the lorry drivers should get more as they have greater responsibilities.
Cityclean staff walked out on February 11 in protest at the pay grades with union bosses warning that further strike action could be on the way if a resolution was not found.
Mark Turner, GMB branch secretary, told The Argus on Saturday that council bosses had made an improved offer which would be considered by union members from today.
He said: “There was an offer made by the council yesterday. It will be irresponsible of me to tell you what that is until our members have been informed, but we intend to deliver it to them on Monday for them to take a decision on what they want to do.
“It’s touch and go. The council have moved a little bit. We have too, so it depends if the improved offer is enough for our members.
“The offer falls short of what we can fully recommend but it’s not one we would recommend rejecting either.
“It’s for our members to decide and probably something to be decided on over a number of days next week.”
Industrial action was called off late last year after the council and unions agreed to discuss the possibility of changes to the HGV drivers’ pay.
New job descriptions were drawn up and an evaluation panel considered the move but decided bin workers’ duties did not merit a pay increase.
Last week Mr Turner said he was “disappointed” not to have met with Green council leader Jason Kitcat.
The Argus was unable to contact Councillor Kitcat for comment last night.
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