Refuse workers strike in pay row

Workers are striking after talks with the council broke down

Refuse and street cleaning workers in Leeds have started "indefinite" strike action in a dispute with the council over pay.

Employees are picketing refuse depots after last-ditch talks with the authority failed.

Unions have warned the industrial action will leave Leeds "awash with wrappers" and rotting food.

A Leeds City Council spokesman said "dozens" of staff had reported for duty and were working as normal.

The strike relates to a new pay and grading structure which the council says it is legally obliged to carry out.

Unions claim the council plans to cut refuse collectors' annual salaries by up to £6,000 from February 2011.

At the end of the day this is an attack on working class people and their families Tony Pearson, Unison

Council leader Richard Brett said the decision by the unions to call their members out was "deeply regrettable" and accused them of walking away from the table after making unrealistic demands.

Unison regional organiser Tony Pearson said more than 500 workers were taking part in the strike.

"The mood on the picket line is very, very good, and the strike appears to be solidly observed.

'Duty as normal'

"Our message for the people of Leeds is that this is an absolute last resort.

"At the end of the day this is an attack on working class people and their families."

In a statement on its website Leeds City Council said dozens of street services staff had reported for duty as normal and about 15% of services were operating as usual.

It added that half a dozen bin crews were working and two-thirds of its mechanical sweepers were in operation across the city.

Mr Brett said: "I maintain that the only way to resolve the issue of refuse worker pay is for the unions to return to the table - but we aren't prepared to talk until the strike ends."

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