The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that the first talks since the strike started on September 7 took place last week between the trade unions and the political leaders of Leeds City Council. http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Leeds-binmen-strike-Hopes-of.5800025.jp
UNISON Regional Organiser Tony Pearson is quoted as saying that a negotiated settlement is within reach: “Monday's meeting was very productive and the council certainly seemed to understand some of the reservations about number of bins. Given the breakneck speeds they work at the moment, 220 bins an hour is not a realistic goal. Members voted 92 per cent to reject the last deal so they'd like to see significant improvements but I have to say that with a bit of good work and with both sides willing to take a bit of a risk, I think there's a strong possibility of a negotiated settlement. There's desire on both sides to reach a settlement. But it would be ludicrous for the city to have the lowest paid refuse workers when Leeds should be leading the way in investing in a quality workforce”.
With the dispute enters its tenth week the unions continue to face provocations from the employer. As happened in the Royal Mail dispute, Leeds City Council is recruiting hundreds of temporary workers to deal with the impact of the highly effective industrial action by the refuse collection workers:
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Rubbish-still-piles-up-in.5801955.jp
