Rubbish collectors in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Groningen went back to work on Thursday after a three-day strike in support of their pay claim.

The three cities say they are putting extra people on the job to make sure the clean-up takes place as quickly as possible. Despite the piles in some places, city hall officials say there have been few problems caused by the strike.

The bin men and other local government civil servants are campaigning for a 2.5% pay rise over 2013 and an additional 3% rise this year.

The Abvakabo civil service union has already said the next strike will last longer if no agreement is reached. Talks on a new pay deal for local government officials have been going on for over a year.