A BIN strike in Winchester has ended before it began after a deal was made between Biffa and the GMB union.

Union members, who are employed by the council’s waste contractor Biffa, have accepted a pay deal on Monday, July 17 which will see HGV drivers paid £15.50 per hour and loaders paid £12 per hour.

Nicola Nixon, GMB regional organiser, said: “We are pleased to announce that this dispute has ended before it has really begun.

READ MORE: When are the rail strikes taking place in July?

“The settlement has been agreed in a professional manner which means our members receive a pay rise they are happy to accept and the residents of Winchester will not see any disruption to their kerbside bin collections.

“As in any dispute, our members do not want to go on strike – this is always a last resort, which was not necessary on this occasion as the pay offer which was put forward by Biffa was deemed reasonable by GMB members.

“If this shows us anything, it is that if an employer offers market rates, our members will accept and will continue to do their difficult, dirty and dangerous job.”

A Winchester City Council spokesperson said: “We’re pleased that Biffa has resolved this issue and that there won’t be a disruption to residents.”