A BIN strike that could have affected up to 200,000 East Sussex homes has been called off.

The GMB union have called off strike action at Kier East Sussex to allow more time for company to address workforce concerns.

The union has called off strike action scheduled today and tomorrow as well as Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week.

Union bosses said that “movement by the company” on some key issued had created an opportunity for industrial relations on the contract to return to normality.

Members had voted to take industrial action last month but it was suspended last week to allow for further discussions.

Charles Harrity, GMB senior organiser, said “Following negotiations with Kier Environmental the company agreed that there were genuine grievances within the workforce.

“As a result of the discussions the company has agreed to a health and safety audit of the recycling vehicles, they have introduced a dignity at work policy and are rolling out a training programme for mangers and staff.

“Furthermore the company agreed that requests for personal protection equipment should not be subject to negative comments and that such equipment should be readily available.”