Bin workers to be balloted over pay dispute

Veolia said it was "disappointed" the GMB had moved to a ballot

The company that collects waste for Shropshire Council has said its staff will be balloted over possible industrial action.

Veolia said it had received notification from the GMB union that the ballot would close on 13 October.

The company said it has previously had "positive trade union relationships and established negotiation processes," but the union was requesting a pay rise of more than 20%.

The GMB has been approached by the BBC for comment.

Veolia said it had already offered its staff in Shropshire "a significant pay increase".

It said it would continue talking to the GMB and had an Acas meeting scheduled this month.

It said it was "disappointed that the GMB union has balloted for industrial action, despite the fact that our agreed negotiation process is still ongoing".

It asked the union to "exhaust the negotiation process" before taking things further.

Shropshire Council said: "This is a matter between Veolia and their staff and we will continue to monitor the situation."