It was the issue dominating debate among Leeds residents throughout the autumn of 2009. September of that year saw refuse workers began an eleven-week strike in protest of pay cuts in a revised pay scheme proposed by Leeds City Council. The strike was prompted by a collapse in negotiations between council chiefs and unions representing the city's refuse workers. These photos plucked from the YEP archive chart the story of the strike, its impact on residents right through to its resolution in the November. READ MORE: Secrets of Leeds Queens Hotel revealed including hidden tunnel LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds bin strike
Memories of the Leeds bin strike in autumn 2009. | Ross Parry Photo: Ross Parry
2. Leeds bin strike
Pickets at the New York Road city centre refuse collection depot during their strike action in early September 2009. | YPN Photo: YPN
3. Leeds bin strike
Striking refuse collectors rally outside Leeds Civic Hall in mid-September 2009. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
4. Leeds bin strike
Bins full of rubbish clutter the street in Burley as the strike entered its second week in mid-September 2009. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
5. Leeds bin strike
Private contractors empty bins full of rubbish on Nixon Avenue in Osmonthorpe. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
6. Leeds bin strike
Bins full of rubbish line a back alley in Beeston as the bin strike entered its second week in September 2009. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson