ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):

Solid waste collection and disposal for Dominicans resumed early yesterday morning as protesting sanitation workers returned to the job.

Employees at the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC) refused to work Thursday, leaving piles of uncollected garbage along the streets of Roseau and throughout the island.

The placard-waving sanitary engineers demanded insurance coverage before they returned to duty.

However, acting general manager of the DSWMC, Marilyn Hypolite, said some decisions were taken when management met with employees and members of the Public Service Union (DPSU) on Thursday.

Meeting with union reps

"We met with the union representatives and they have agreed to stop the protest action and resume work. We have taken a decision on the collective bargaining agreement and hope to get it signed. On the issue of insurance we are going to be addressing that," Hypolite said.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the DPSU Thomas Letang said one of the highlights of the meeting was a decision to sign a collective agreement next week.

"The signing of the collective agreement which has been a long outstanding issue will be signed on Monday at 10 a.m. With regard to the poor condition of garbage trucks, management will take steps to ensure that some repairs are done to the vehicles," Letang said.