DISRUPTIONS to bin collections are still expected despite refuse workers accepting a pay rise of up to 27 per cent to end the strike.

Kerbside collections in Wealden recommenced today after GMB Union members accepted the improved offer from Biffa, which runs the service for Wealden District Council.

Striking workers were demanding better pay ahead of their walk-out planned for Monday, April 25.

The strike started a week later on Monday, May 2 after last-minute talks between the council and GMB.

The strike was initially set to last two weeks but it went on for more than a month before a deal was reached.

The total value of the offer is worth between 24 and 27 per cent, depending on which job workers have.

Wealden District Council said all scheduled rubbish, recycling and garden waste collections will be resumed on Friday, crews may be unable to finish some rounds.

“Please be assured that if your road is not collected on the scheduled day, they will be returning to finish before they move onto the next day’s work,” a council spokesman said.

“For this reason, if your road is not emptied, please leave the bin out ready for collection.”

The council said crews have suffered “verbal abuse” on their rounds.

“While Biffa are restarting all collections there may be some residual disruption to services,” the spokesman added.

“If you contact us or use your local county council amenity tip, we kindly ask that you are kind and patient with each other and the staff.

“This comes following recent reports of verbal abuse. These staff are not employed by Biffa and are not involved in the strike in any way.

“They are simply working as hard as possible to help manage your enquiries and ensure you have a facility where you can dispose of your waste while collection services return to normal.”

Following the agreement to end the strike, Gary Palmer, GMB regional organiser, said: “Our members have successfully earned themselves a massive pay rise, but this is simply just reward for the demanding and very important job that they do every day.

“Refuse collection is one of the most visible services that a council provides, but it’s also one of the most unappreciated until it stops.”