Refuse workers call off stoppage

Some staff in the city will work up to 10pm under the new plans

Refuse collectors have called off their planned strike over plans to bring in new shift patterns in Cardiff.

The council said an improved offer was accepted by the GMB union after a "long but constructive meeting". The union said it was a vote for "common sense".

Staff had voted to stop work on Monday in protest at council plans which will see them working shifts until 10pm.

It coincided with the introduction of new weekly food waste collections across the city.

The council wants the 100 workers to work two new shifts from 6pm to 2pm, and and 2pm to 10pm.

The council said a mass meeting of union members voted to accept the offer by a majority of just under three to one.

GMB regional organiser Mike Payne said: "This is a massive vote for common sense, which will allow for the introduction of an improved recycling/domestic waste collection service for the people of Cardiff, and at the same time secure more jobs and compensate those workers who will have to face changes to their working practices".

Councillor Margaret Jones, the executive member for environment, said "an amicable arrangement has been agreed" and the council would continue to work constructively with unions as the new system rolled out.

The union had rejected a council offer of a one-off payment of £750 for each worker on the early shift and £1,250 for late shift workers.