Rugby bin collectors and street cleaners go on strike

Striking refuse collector Robert Thomas has worked for the authority for 26 years

Refuse collectors and street cleaners have gone on strike in Rugby in a dispute over pay.

The industrial action by Unite members began at 00:01 BST on Tuesday and is due to end on 10 May. However, the union said further action could take place.

The trade union said the workers were some of the lowest paid compared with neighbouring councils.

Rugby Borough Council said a review of job roles would be completed in May.

Unite said the local authority had "dragged its feet for more than a year" over a pay deal with street cleaners, HGV lorry drivers and loaders.

The Unite union said the cost of living crisis meant more and more staff were now struggling

'Using food banks'

The union said the starting salary for a street cleaner in Rugby begins at £17,100 and reaches £19,200 after five years of increments, while a loader's annual wage begins at £19,200 and reaches £21,300 after five years, while drivers earn £21,300 and their pay reaches £23,400 after five years.

But the council disputes this saying street cleaners are paid between £18,887 to £20,043; loaders between £20,043 and £22,129 and drivers £22,571 to £24,920. plus a recruitment and retention payment and additional money for vehicle checks, with all three roles receiving additional bank holiday payments.

The council added: "These roles and pay have been benchmarked, and are above average, or higher, when compared to other employers."

Striking refuse collector Robert Thomas, who has worked for the authority for 26 years, said by the time he has paid his bills, and done a "basic" shop, "all your money is gone".

"It is a time when we need to stand and get a decent pay rise from the council," he said.

As the cost of living increases, the workers were demanding a "significant uplift" as they were now struggling, with some using food banks, the union said.

"Rugby Borough Council should hang its head in shame," Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said.

"Instead of recognising that a pay increase is an absolute necessity as living costs spiral upwards, the council has dragged its feet for over a year."

Union official Clifford Hancox said workers were prepared to take action for as long as it takes to get a pay raise

Driver and Unite union shop steward Clifford Hancox said pay rates were "not right for this day and age," and that workers were prepared to take action "for as long as it takes".

In response, the local authority said a 1.75% pay settlement had been agreed by the National Joint Council for local government services.

A "benchmarking" review conducted in February comparing the council's pay to that offered in similar roles by 19 other employers, including at councils and within the private sector, found Rugby Borough Council salaries to be above the median pay on offer, it added.

Officials also said job descriptions were being reviewed in February to ensure pay grades reflected the duties and responsibilities each role entailed.