Refuse workers have suspended a planned strike in Breckland and North Norfolk after contractor Serco improved its pay offer.
Bin collectors, street cleaners, grounds maintenance and toilet cleaners across the two council areas represented by Unison the union had threatened to strike from April 11 to 14 in a long-running dispute over wages.
But the industrial action has now been put on ice while workers vote on whether to accept a new two-year pay offer from Serco, which was made today (Thursday).
Cameron Matthews, Unison’s eastern region organiser, said the improved pay offer was a step in the right direction.
Mr Matthews said: “Refuse, grounds, street cleaning and cleansing staff have fought hard to get Serco to cough up more cash, after the multimillion-pound company spent months pleading poverty.
“We’re glad the firm has finally come up with an offer that is worth putting to the workers.
"It’s now up to staff to decide whether to accept or push on with more industrial action.”
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The result of the workers’ ballot will be announced on Monday, April 24.
Peter Aylward, regional director for Serco Environmental Services said “We are delighted that our employees have suspended next week’s industrial action while our offer is being considered and voted upon.”
Councillor Tim Adams, North Norfolk District Council, praised the move.
Mr Adams said: “It’s welcome news for residents in the meantime, and hopefully there will be a permanent resolution to the dispute.”
Mr Adams said he was eager to see any continuing delays to bin collections caused by factors including vehicle breakdowns, an accident in Stalham, and staff absence, resolved as soon as possible.
It follows a previous strike by refuse workers across the two districts which ran from March 13 to 17.
Around 100 refuse collectors took part in the earlier strike.
A picket line in Aylsham saw more than 30 workers gather at the junction of the A140 and Dunkirk Road.
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Some held placards demanding ‘Fair pay for taking your rubbish away’ and others declared ‘It’s time to stop paying us rubbish’.
Terry Money, 60, who lives in Northrepps and cleans public toilets in Holt, Fakenham, Wells and Walsingham, said: “We just want to be on a driver’s wage because we do a lot of driving.”
It comes as junior doctors across the country are planning a four-day strike starting next Tuesday, also in a dispute over pay.
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