Binmen in Sandwell in the Black Country are planning a lengthy strike that could see rubbish pile up in the streets for weeks on end. Refuse collectors are voting on industrial action amid a dispute with the council over swingeing pay cuts and reductions in annual leave. It is the first major challenge in the region to the controversial national single status agreement. Binmen in Sandwell are losing more than £4,000 a year in pay cuts imposed on January 1. Unions Unite and GMB said the walkout could mirror an 11-week strike that took place in Leeds last year. The Leeds action resulted in overflowing bins and stinking piles of rubbish in the streets.

Sandwell Council employs more than 120 refuse collectors, who are represented by Unite, GMB and Unison. Unite members have until March 10 to return their ballots and the other unions are working to a similar timescale. Derek Heson, Unite regional industrial organiser representing 50 refuse collectors in Sandwell, said: “The overwhelming feeling is ‘yes for industrial action’. “Around £4,700 has been taken from people’s wage packets and two days of annual leave lost. These people are in trouble.”

Darren James, Sandwell branch secretary for GMB, said his union had 31 members in Sandwell and served notice on the council yesterday. Sandwell Council deputy leader Councillor Mahb- oob Hussain told residents services would continue. Elsewhere, Walsall Council staff have been warned they may be forced to accept a new salary package for more than 1,500 jobs. Staffordshire County Council, Lichfield District Council and Cannock Chase Council have already implemented the agreement while Stafford Borough council is still in consultation with unions.

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