Bin collectors back strike action

Refuse collectors in Leeds have voted to go on strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Unison, Unite and GMB unions are unhappy with the council's proposals to slash their pay by up to £5,000 per year from February 2011.

Tony Pearson of Unison said its members had voted by more than two to one in favour of industrial action.

He said the result indicated the strength of feeling over the threatened cuts. Union members will meet on Monday to discuss the details of a strike.

Mr Pearson, Unison's regional organiser, said: "The threat of these devastating cuts to wages left us with no option but to ballot for industrial action and our members have given us a clear indication that they will take the necessary action to protect their families and their livelihoods.

'Regrettable' action

"These workers do a very physically demanding and vital job in all weather and to keep our streets clean, and to threaten them with such crippling pay cuts is totally unjustifiable."

He added that he hoped the council would be prepared to negotiate changes to the service which would avoid the need for pay cuts.

In a statement Leeds City Council said industrial action was "regrettable".

"We are disappointed Unison and the GMB have chosen this course of action", it said.

The statement added: "We have contingency plans in place, and will do our best to keep any disruption to services to a minimum where possible.

"As soon as we know what actions the unions will take, we'll write to residents to inform them of our plans."

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