Green councillors have called for independent arbitration in Brighton and Hove's refuse dispute.
Green convenor Keith Taylor said: "I can see no one, perhaps apart from the seagulls, who would benefit from strike action. I believe to now start talking about striking is too hasty.
"I will be asking Ken Bodfish and the union leaders to accept independent arbitration.
"The stakes are way too high for brinksmanship. What's needed is a genuine spirit of co-operation. We need to defuse this increasingly acrimonious situation.
"Striking staff won't be paid, rubbish will mount and in the warmer weather will soon become a serious health hazard - and it's residents and visitors to the city who will suffer most.
"A strike will achieve nothing that cannot be resolved through negotiation."
Councillor Ken Bodfish responded: "I fully understand the position of the Green Party but it does not know the facts of the situation.
"They call for arbitration but we said on April 30 we would consider calling in the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) if it was appropriate."
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