THE GMB union will ballot more workers at Cityclean for industrial action, after talks to end the bin strike broke down.

Union representatives left talks yesterday claiming the council’s latest offer backtracked on proposals discussed in negotiations last week.

The council denied making a formal or informal offer in talks on Friday and expressed their hope that the GMB would return to the negotiating table.

The union is now set to ballot Cityclean’s refuse and recycling loaders and street cleansing teams on joining the strike.

In a statement, the GMB said that industrial action had been on course to be suspended while final details were worked on.

GMB regional organiser Gary Palmer said: “It is so disappointing as Friday’s meeting had left us with the impression that we had made good progress in moving towards a resolution and halting strike action, but yesterday saw a clear about turn and retraction of certain positional assurances by the council’s team.

"Not only do we now expect our members to carry on and possibly escalate their strike action, but I would expect our membership in additional areas within Cityclean to also demand our moving towards their own industrial ballot process in response to the council’s step back from a settlement.

"We are of course ready to talk but the council are clearly not yet adversely worried about the state of the city, when they are we’ll be here waiting."

The GMB union are calling on Brighton and Hove City Council to settle an ongoing dispute around unilateral imposed daily changes and removal of drivers from long standing rounds.

In a ballot last month, 100 per cent of GMB members who voted backed industrial action.

Deputy leader of the council Hannah Clare said: "There are long term issues with the City Clean service that we’re keen to resolve, and we believe that discussion is crucial.

"Only by staying around the table can a good outcome can be reached, both for staff and for residents of our city."

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