REFUSE workers are set to continue with two weeks of strike action after a union leader said there have been no proposals put forward to resolve the dispute.

Brighton and Hove City Council have been in dispute with the GMB over pay and working conditions, with 100 per cent of their refuse workers backing industrial action, which began today.

However, while the council claims they have submitted a proposed resolution agreement for the union’s consideration, branch secretary Mark Turner said that they have received nothing from the council to resolve the situation.

He said: “We’ve got nothing on the table. Whatever they (the council) have said is not true.”

He added that the strike is going “superb and wonderful” and that GMB is fully prepared to go ahead with the fortnight of industrial action as planned.

Mark said: “The issue is the way our members are being treated and the council management not following internal procedures. Drivers are being removed from their vehicles with no justification and the council are not supplying adequate equipment, such as vehicles.

“If the council wants to put a formal proposal to us to consider, then we will consider it and we would meet them if it was necessary.”

The news comes after last minute talks with the council collapsed without agreement last night. However, the council had hoped to avoid a prolonged bin strike with a proposed resolution to solve the dispute.

Councillor Nick Hibberd, the council’s executive director for economy, environment and culture, said he understood the concerns of residents regarding the industrial action, and reiterated the council’s commitment to finding a solution for staff and for the city as a whole.

"I hope we can reach agreement tomorrow and work towards achieving our shared vision of a city where we tackle waste and recycling together, continue collaboratively with Cityclean modernisation plans and provide the best service for residents," he said.

The council has been approached for comment.

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