UNION bosses have warned “the ball is in the council’s court” as they enter into crucial talks to resolve Brighton’s bin strike.

Representatives from the GMB union will meet officials from Brighton and Hove City Council today as talks begin to finally resolve the dispute.

Since September 12, rubbish has been piling up on the streets as the debate over pay grades has dragged on.

The GMB wants its 38 HGV drivers to be moved to a pay grade higher than six street-cleaning staff who now earn the same.

Mark Turner, GMB branch secretary, said the “ball is in the council’s court” to come forward with proposals and they “cannot rule out” further strike action.

He said: “From our point of view, we have wanted this negotiation with them right from the beginning. We will look at anything they put forward and put it before our members but we want clear committed timelines for action and this has to be in a reasonable timeframe.”

Union bosses said the dispute is not about money but fairness.

Last week, strike action set to take place today was suspended along with a planned action last Thursday.

The GMB will be looking at council proposals and putting it before a vote of its members later this week.

The union said the council proposals will offer a resolution to the pay dispute by detailing a redesign of the service – the specifics of which will be revealed during the meeting.

A decision will be made on Thursday on whether Friday’s planned strike action will go ahead.

Mr Turner said that the union “regretted” the need for action.

He said: “We can only apologise but it has taken us a considerable amount of time to get to this point with the council.

“We have clearly demonstrated our commitment to resolve this situation.”

The work to rule is ongoing indefinitely until the dispute is resolved.