However, as of the morning of Friday February 15, the four workers have been allowed back onto their old crews and management have started negotiations over staffing levels and vehicle numbers. As one worker put it: "Management folded like a pack of cards. They didn't know what was going on. This sort of treatment had been going on far too long and its about time they learnt that they cannot treat us this way".

The staff at the Hollingdean Depot downed tools on Tuesday in retaliation to having tightly-knit crews broken up by managers.

Another worker said his cousin, who also works at the depot, had been "punished" for having time off sick by being put onto another shift.

Although some bin collections went ahead, a majority of residents who were due to have their bins emptied were left without a service.

Thursday morning's 6am rounds were carried out as normal but the second shift, starting at 6.50am, refused to go to out. Talks between the council and the GMB union took place in a bid to resolve the issue.

At the time, neither side was able to offer a firm indication on when the strike would be over though the strikers stated they would strike for days or weeks until their demands were met.

Refuse workers at the Hollingdean Depot undertook a four day strike and occupation in 2001, which forced the change of management from private company SITA to Brighton and Hove council.

For an account of the 2001 battle, go to http://libcom.org/history/2001-brighton-bin-mens-strike-and-occupation