A two-week strike planned to hit Redbridge today has been cancelled after a deal was reached. 

Unite the Union has confirmed refuse workers in Redbridge have returned to work after accepting "a last minute offer" to end the dispute with Redbridge Civic Services, a council-owned company.

The planned strikes were announced on August 8 and were due to start today (August 22) lasting until September 5. 

This morning, both Unite and the council confirmed a ballot was being held in a bid to prevent industrial action. 

According to Unite, its members have accepted the offer of "a new and improved contract". 

The union said these new terms and conditions include an increase in sick pay from ten days to three months, a reduced working week, paid overtime, a review of vehicles to reduce stoppages, and protected income insurance up 24 months. 

Council leader Kam RaiCouncil leader Kam Rai (Image: LDRS)

Unite had previously claimed workers were "unhappy" with working terms. 

Unite regional officer Nicholas West said: “We’ve finally had the much needed involvement of the council and our members have finally been presented with a reasonable offer that they have accepted and returned to work. 

“Unite stood firmly with our members throughout the dispute and they should be proud at how they stood firm against the council to get the terms and conditions they deserve.”

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The council said its leader Cllr Kam Rai met with staff at Redbridge Civic Services about the issue.

A spokesperson for Redbridge Council said: “We are pleased that Unite the Union members have voted against taking industrial action from today till Wednesday, 4 September.

“The leader of the council and officers have met with staff to proactively discuss the future of waste services.

"Through these meetings, they have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by staff and are actively working to ensure the necessary support is provided.”

Cllr Rai has also issued a statement, saying he was pleased action has been called off.

He said: "Since the dispute began, the council has worked to facilitate discussions and negotiations between RCS management, local shop stewards, and Unite the Union to get a fair offer for the workers and try to prevent industrial action.

"RCS has offered an extensive support package, which RCS has told us was well-received by its workers.

"I will ensure we continue to facilitate dialogue between local front line staff, the RCS management and the council to iron out any difficulties and misunderstandings.

"There will always be challenges in what is a tough environment, but it’s important genuine concerns are acted upon in good faith."