NEGOTIATIONS between a refuse workers’ union and Adur and Worthing Councils have led to a pay rise – but a strike is not off the cards yet.

The councils have been carrying out a review of the rubbish collection service since October and have been in talks with Unison over better pay and conditions for the refuse, recycling, and cleansing team.

On Friday the councils announced 65 staff would see their pay moved up a grade, with 40 HGV-trained staff receiving a £2,000 supplement.

Four staff will receive the supplement and see their salary moved up a grade.

READ MORE: Bin strike confirmed in Adur and Worthing

The pay increases come into effect from today with further increases offered in September and April resulting in a pay rise of six per cent.

A shortage of HGV drivers has proved challenging for the councils which have been offering a £2,000 supplement to help retain and recruit them.

Staff are also being offered the opportunity to gain a HGV driving qualification.

Unison said talks will continue over collection round reviews, working hours, driver training, and the salaries of other staff within the service.

But the GMB union says its members still plan to strike and the councils have acknowledged that “in theory, a small number of the total workforce could cause a bin strike”.

The councils said 44 of the 151 employees that make up its waste, recycling, and cleansing service voted to strike.

This could cause disruption to bin collections from March 14 if an agreement cannot be reached or the council’s contingency plans do not work.

GMB organiser Gary Palmer said the Unison offer did not change anything.

He said: “The council has made an offer to Unison.

“This offer does not change GMB’s position – which is that only direct negotiation can prevent the strikes due to start on March 14.

“We will meet members on March 8 to go through plans for the initial two weeks of industrial action.

“We remain ready to commence formal discussions with the council about our members’ determination to be paid properly for the work they do.”

A council spokesman said a review of working conditions remained the priority but contingency plans would be shared with residents and businesses “in the coming days” if a strike cannot be avoided.

It said: “We will continue to consult with all members of staff and interested parties, such as the GMB, and will negotiate with the recognised union Unison.

“We hope that the review which was begun in October – nearly three months before we were contacted by the GMB – will convince staff that we are serious about working with them to create a better service for both residents and staff.”