Hopes raised of end to city bin strike as council makes offer

BIRMINGHAM City Council has made a new written offer to striking bin staff that union chiefs say is a step in the right direction after weeks of agony for their workers and Brummies.

- JANE HAYNES People & Politics Editor

But it could be days, even weeks, before a deal is done, they warned today. Unite the union, which represents most of the council's waste service staff, has described the council's offer as 'watered down' from what it has said it intended to offer during negotiating meetings.

Union and council negotiators were in fresh talks yesterday and for the first time a written offer was on the table, say union insiders.

"We have been waiting since January for the council to put in writing what it has been saying in public," said a union spokesman, referring to regular reference by government and council officials to a 'fair and reasonable offer.'

In the meantime, striking bin workers were out in force yesterday, despite a High Court injunction.

A small huddle of designated pickets were at the entrance to the Lifford Lane depot, in line with a High Court injunction restricting their number to six, and they were abiding by strict orders to not obstruct vehicles driving in and out.