Bin strikes over after eight months

The industrial action in South Tyneside started in November last year

Strikes by refuse workers which saw bin collections disrupted for eight months have ended.

South Tyneside Council said the GMB Union had confirmed in writing that mandates for industrial action have been withdrawn.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, the authority's leader, said efforts to return collections to normal are continuing.

GMB organiser Mark Wilson confirmed members had voted to end the dispute after recent "constructive dialogue" with the council.

The walkouts, over alleged bullying of workers and mismanagement of services, started in November.

'No further strikes'

The latest planned strike action was called off earlier this month, but two dispute ballots running to October and December were still in place.

On Friday the council said the union had confirmed its members had voted to end the disputes and both mandates were being withdrawn and removed.

Ms Dixon said: "I can now say with confidence that we have reached a resolution and there will be no further strike action.

"We are united in our efforts to improve waste services and get collections back to normal."

Mr Wilson said: "Following constructive dialogue with the council recently our members have voted today to end the dispute after their concerns were appropriately addressed.

"We look forward to engaging with the new management to bring about the service improvements that will make their work better and improve service delivery for the residents of South Tyneside."

An action plan agreed in April is being implemented, the council said, and the aim is to restore normal collection patterns by the end of the summer.