Refuse workers across Sandwell are set to strike in a dispute over pay.

The GMB union announces members will hold 12 days of industrial action and has accused Serco, who manage the service on behalf of the Council,  of a 'real terms pay cut'.

The Union claim that 96% of members supported strike action in a recent ballot.

Strike action will now take place from the end of May and into June, which is expected to hit as many as 125,000 households in Sandwell.

Planned industrial action is likely to start on Tuesday 30th May until Thursday 1st June, with additional dates from Monday 5th to Thursday 8th, followed by Monday 12th until Friday 16th. Justine Jones, GMB organiser, said:

“Serco have failed to recognise and properly value the work of refuse workers across our Borough.

“Taking strike action is always a last resort, but to impose a real terms pay cut in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis in a generation is a disgrace.

“Twelve days on strike action will no doubt have a significant impact on local people and businesses.

“If Serco don’t act now it could quickly become twelve days of chaos in Sandwell.

“Our members are clear; Serco need to get back around the table with an offer that reflects our members value before it’s too late".

A spokesperson for Sandwell Council responded: "The services Serco provide are extremely important for our residents.

“As a council we will be working hard to ensure that any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum and we urge Serco to work with its employees and the trade unions to find a resolution to the dispute.

"We hope that industrial action can be avoided but if it goes ahead we will ensure residents are kept up-to-date on the proposed strike schedule and on changes or delays to waste and recycling services via the Sandwell Council website, Twitter, Facebook and the email updates service."