Redcar MP Mo Mowlam has used her renowned negotiation skills to bring an end to an industrial dispute.

Dr Mowlam spent four-and-a-half hours on Sunday mediating between Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and refuse collectors deadlocked in a bitter row over changes to working conditions.

Last month, the refuse collectors staged two one-day strikes and implemented a ban on overtime after the council planned to introduce new contracts which would see them working some evening shifts.

The proposals put forward by the MP were given unanimous backing at a mass meeting of the two unions involved, Unison and the Transport and General Workers' Union, on Tuesday afternoon.

Councillors also voted unanimously to accept the plan at a special meeting of the council's policy and resources committee on Wednesday.

Existing employment contracts were due to expire on Wednesday, but the deadline for accepting the new proposals has been extended until January 19 after the refuse collectors accepted the concept of an afternoon and early evening working arrangement within a 37-hour week

Coun Dave Walsh, leader of the council, said: "This is a starting agreement which is capable of being implemented, satisfying the community's desire for improved services while at the same time addressing the concerns of our workforce."

Tim Bush, TGWU regional industrial organiser, said he hoped the agreement would resolve the problem 'in the interests of both the workforce and the wider Redcar and Cleveland community.'

Dr Mowlam said: "I am delighted that both the management and the workforce have accepted my proposals and will move forward towards a lasting settlement."

The council is working to clear the backlog of collections - for details see Page 4