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
7. Leeds bin strike
Early October 2009 and pictured is rubbish on the streets on Headingley View close to the cricket and rugby stadium. | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike
8. Leeds bin strike
Week three and the bins were overflowing with rubbish. | Ross Parry Photo: Ross Parry
9. Leeds bin strike
Rubbish on Lands Lane in city centre in mid-October 2009. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson
10. Leeds bin strike
October 2009 and refuse workers gather in Jongleurs to vote on continuing the bin strike after the council's latest offer. | Tony Johnson Photo: Tony Johnson
11. Leeds bin strike
November 2009and refuse workers wait outside Jongleurs ahead of a vote. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson
12. Leeds bin strike
The ballot boxes are ready ahead of the vote in November 2009. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson