STRIKE action involving East Lothian Council’s waste, recycling and street cleaning teams “remains a possibility”, despite this week's scheduled strikes being called off.

Council staff were due to walk out for eight days, from yesterday (Wednesday) to August 21.

However, the action was shelved following discussions between UNISON and CoSLA – the umbrella group covering local authorities across the country – on Monday.

The union agreed to suspend the planned industrial action while it consulted workers on the latest offer.

However, UNISON has recommended the offer be rejected and the union is also continuing its strike ballot of schools, early years and family centre staff.

READ MORE: Bin strikes: Recycling centres to be closed in East Lothian

Ian Fitzpatrick, regional organiser Fife & Lothians local government, told the Courier that strike action “remains a possibility”.

David O’Connor, UNISON Scotland local government lead, said: “UNISON has suspended recycling and street cleansing strikes while staff are consulted on CoSLA's latest offer.

“UNISON’s view is that it’s still not enough.

“Council staff have seen the value of their pay reduced by 25 per cent over the past 14 years and any pay deal needs to do more to reverse this.

“The union has been clear all along that the wage deal needs to work for everyone in local government.

“This pause will provide some breathing space for further dialogue.”

READ MORE: Bin strikes: Industrial action halted as offer is considered

If strike action did go ahead, it would mean green and brown bins not being emptied throughout East Lothian.

Similarly, the county’s three recycling centres – at Dunbar, North Berwick and Kinwegar, on the outskirts of Wallyford – would be closed.

However, the local authority’s recycling and food waste system, which sees the various containers and boxes emptied by specially designed vehicles, would continue during any strike.

Earlier this year, the household waste service changed from a two-weekly to a three-weekly service, while a permit system was introduced for the collection of garden waste.

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council confirmed that the planned strikes were now on hold.

They said: "Planned waste services and street cleansing strike action August 14-21 has been suspended in East Lothian after UNISON agreed to ballot its members on a revised national pay offer.

"All services will run as normal. 

"Residents and businesses should present bins for collection in line with their usual schedule.”