TALKS were continuing today to avert a third strike by Eastleigh's binmen.

Union leaders were hoping the negotiations would be successful but warned that the refuse collectors remained united and determined to continue until their concerns were listened to. The major sticking point over changes in work practices is the issue of "task to finish".

Under these changes, binmen would still be able to operate under a form of work-to-finish rule but management could decide at any point whether or not time needed to be made up without pay.

Unison branch secretary Dave Smith said: "This action has really united all the workers and they will not be bullied by management into accepting these unreasonable changes. They cannot expect us to have a task and finish rule but then expect people to work overtime for no payment. It is going to be very hard to come to any agreement with them. But there is a commitment to talk over the key issues again at a meeting this morning and as things stand it's looking favourable."

While binmen continue to work to rule, Eastleigh Borough Council is directing staff away from garden waste and on to domestic waste collections.

A spokesman for the council added: "Contingency plans have been drawn up which have meant crews from garden waste have been moved to collect domestic waste.

"This has meant the hiring of vehicles as the ones used for garden waste pick-ups are not appropriate for domestic collections."