Trade union GMB has today notified the council that it is officially withdrawing from industrial action processes in relation to a dispute at the council’s waste and recycling depot.
The announcement follows months of constructive talks between the council and GMB with the arbitration service ACAS.
Speaking about the decision taken by GMB, Brighton & Hove Chief Executive Geoff Raw said he was committed to ensuring positive and collaborative relationships between all Cityclean staff.
He said: “This is a step forward for Cityclean staff. We know it’s been difficult while talks have been taking place but both myself and GMB are determined to improve joint working practices and work harder to investigate and resolve matters before they escalate.”
Council Leader Nancy Platts added that she was confident Cityclean staff would see changes at the depot.
She said: “The lifting of industrial action is great news and I thank the GMB and officers for taking part in the ACAS talks alongside me, which have resolved this matter.
“There is still work to do and the changes we need to make will take time, but managers, staff and trade unions are committed to working together to make improvements for the benefit of our residents and visitors to Brighton & Hove.
"I’m really keen to see a new long-term strategic plan for Cityclean that will demonstrate how the service will improve. One that all Cityclean staff are actively involved in developing with managers, right from the start.
“We know people are unhappy with the inconsistency of the bin collection service, we are listening and we can see for ourselves. We know people want to see better value for their money and they will.”
Mark Turner, GMB Branch Secretary said he was optimistic that there would be meaningful engagement between management and the workforce.
He said: “GMB is now prepared to withdraw from the industrial action process. Industrial action is always a last resort and something we have always wanted to avoid for the good of the residents and our members - today we believe we have achieved that.
"The talks that have been taking place have been positive and constructive. I too have confidence in the organisational change that we have jointly agreed. However, a stable management team is vitally crucial to this process along with positive engagement with our local representatives and members.”