Christmas bin strikes called off for pay talks

About 80 workers in Northamptonshire were expected to join the strike action

A strike by bin workers over Christmas has been called off by the union.

Members of the GMB union in Northamptonshire planned to stop collections from 28 to 30 December - and from 2 to 5 January, over pay and conditions.

But refuse workers voted to accept an offer to restart stalled pay talks with provider Veolia, along with a Christmas bonus scheme for employees.

Rachelle Wilkins, GMB organiser, said: "These workers deliver an essential service for the families, businesses, and communities of Northampton."

Veolia said it was pleased an agreement had been reached.

West Northamptonshire Council said bin collections would continue "as advised over the Christmas period".

About 80 refuse and street cleaning workers were set to strike between Christmas and New Year, with an overtime ban in place throughout the festive period.

Ms Wilkins said she was glad Veolia had "made concrete commitments to re-enter pay talks in January".

She added: "I would like to thank all those GMB members and company representatives who made this possible.

"Going into those talks we are as determined as ever that these workers are given the pay and recognition they deserve."

A Veolia spokesperson said: "We are pleased that an agreement has been reached and no strike action will take place over the festive period."