Talks Result In Staff Agreeing To Resume Normal Working

After intensive talks between The Highland Council and the Joint Trade Unions regarding the proposed harmonisation of terms and conditions of employment for manual workers in Transport, Environmental and Community (TEC) Services, staff have agreed to return to normal working with immediate effect.

A joint statement issued today (Friday, 17 June 2005) said: "The current proposals for TEC Services harmonisation of terms and conditions of employment have been withdrawn. Further discussions will continue to identify those issues causing particular concern, including the link to job evaluation."

In light of today’s positive developments, normal working will resume.

Meanwhile, there is still a 1-2 day backlog in domestic waste collection in the Inverness and Nairn Areas. This backlog will be cleared as soon as possible.

The Council continues to apologise if wheelie bins have not been collected and encourages householders to ensure that their bins are put out by 7am on normal collection days.

Members of the public are also asked to ensure that bin lids are properly closed and that no waste is placed outside bins. If possible, excess waste should be taken to a Highland Council recycling centre.