Countrystyle Recycling can confirm that agreement has been reached with Unite the Union to end strike action on its London Borough of Bexley Street Services Contract with immediate effect.

The strike, over pay and the interpretation of historic working practices, was suspended by Unite on 27th July 2022.

Since that date Countrystyle and Unite officials/local reps have been using the services of ACAS to agree the detail of a Collaborative Working Code of Practice.

The aim of the Code of Practice is to set out a clear basis on which all staff (including management and those providing front-line services) can work together to deliver an efficient and quality service to Bexley residents, whilst preserving staff’s existing contractual rights.

Unite Members have accepted Countrystyle’s existing offer of a 6% pay rise (back dated to April 2022) on top of the 2% already paid to staff from 1st April 2022. In addition, Countrystyle has agreed a one-off payment to all staff employed on its Street Services Contract in connection with acceptance of the Collaborative Working Code of Practice.

Countrystyle’s Compliance Director, Stuart Butler-Gallie said:

“Countrystyle is delighted that, after very constructive discussions with Unite during August, facilitated and assisted by ACAS, a pragmatic and workable outcome has been agreed”.

Stuart added:

“The Code of Practice recognises that all staff need to work together to change what are perceived as historically “entrenched” attitudes on both sides in order to deliver a quality service whilst respecting operational challenges faced by staff”.