Households and businesses across parts of the North East are being advised there will be no bin collections during a period of planned industrial action.

For those living in South Tyneside, they will face a period of no collection dates, due to council workers that usually empty the bins going on strike. 

South Tyneside Council has received formal notification from GMB and Unite Trade Unions of their members’ intention to take industrial action from November 14 to 17 inclusive.

The Northern Echo: Bins won't be collected between November 14 to 17Bins won't be collected between November 14 to 17 (Image: PA MEDIA)

Services affected include the collection of the grey household refuse bin, blue recycling bin, green garden waste bin and trade waste.

Residents are advised not to put their grey, blue or green bins out during the four days of action.

The dispute relates to operational issues raised earlier this year.

An independent investigation, which was commissioned in September, is underway.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the council is committed to resolving the dispute and discussions are continuing.

The Northern Echo: A South Tyneside bin wagonA South Tyneside bin wagon (Image: SOUTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL)

A South Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “We understand that any disruption to waste and recycling services is difficult for both residents and businesses.

“We always work with trade unions when specific issues are raised.

“Though we are disappointed they are planning to take this course of action before the outcome of the independent investigation, we remain committed to resolving the dispute through ongoing dialogue, mediation and conciliation. These discussions continue.

“Meanwhile, we are preparing for industrial action by trade union members.

“We have undertaken a thorough review of the service and unfortunately due to the proportion of the workforce expected to strike and the scale of disruption caused, we will not be able to empty bins until after the industrial action has ended, with bin collections resuming as normal from Tuesday, November 21.

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“We appeal for patience during this time and politely ask that in preparation residents reduce their waste as much as they can and continue to recycle responsibly.”

On the days leading up to the strike, and in the weeks after, residents and businesses are advised to continue to put their bins out as normal.

The recycling village will remain open throughout with additional booking slots being made available to residents during November.