Bins workers urged to accept 'improved deal'

UNION AGREES TO BALLOT MEMBERS FOLLOWING DEPUTY PM'S CITY VISIT

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ANGELA Rayner has urged striking bin collectors in Birmingham to accept a new and “significantly improved” offer to end the dispute that has left tons of rubbish piled up outside homes and businesses.

Union leaders have pledged to ballot workers over whether to accept the deal. The ballot will close on Monday evening. Unite members walked out last month in a bitter dispute over pay and jobs.

Deputy Prime Minister Ms Rayner visited Birmingham yesterday with Local Government Minister Jim McMahon to meet staff involved in clearing the bins backlog and the volunteers clearing up their area.

She said: “We want to see a fair resolution to this. We know there is historic equal pay issues here in Birmingham... I think the offer on the table is significantly improved and Unite should accept it.”

Ms Rayner, who is also Communities Secretary, added: “The people of Birmingham are our first priority. This dispute is causing misery and disruption to residents and the backlog must be dealt with quickly to address public health risks.