Bin strike deal 'to be rejected'

The GMB union said members were "digging in for a long dispute"

A strike by council refuse collectors is set to go into its seventh week after a new offer aimed at ending the deadlock looks set to be rejected.

The GMB union said its shop stewards at Leeds City Council were recommending members reject the new package drawn up in an attempt to resolve the pay row.

Union members are meeting to discuss the offer next week and are expected to formally vote on Wednesday.

Workers walked out on 7 September in a row over proposed pay cuts.

The council has brought in private contractors to collect rubbish during the strike.

Benefit concert

The latest offer was made following a series of talks between the council and unions.

The GMB and Unison unions met earlier to discuss details of the package with shop stewards and members.

Tim Roache, GMB regional secretary for Yorkshire, said: "The offer has been discussed with shop stewards and the shop stewards have serious reservations about it and will be sharing those reservations with members."

A city council spokesman said they had received no official word from the unions that the offer had been rejected.

A spokesman said meetings were due to take place between union representatives and the council next week.

Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary, said: "The council will have to realise that cutting the pay of male workers to bring in equal pay is not acceptable.

"The shop stewards have rejected the offer and our members are now digging in for a long dispute."

A benefit concert is being held in Leeds on Sunday to raise money for the striking workers, headlined by actor and musician Keith Allen.