Refuse collectors in Thurrock vote for strike over pay

Bin collectors in south Essex have voted to strike in a dispute about overtime and their employer's suspensions procedure.

Members of the Unite union in Thurrock have voted four-to-one in favour of industrial action.

Thurrock Council said it had hoped to avoid strike action and will look to negotiate with union members.

A spokesman said if this strike went ahead it would almost certainly lead to reduced collections.

The Unite union now has 28 days in which to strike and must give a week's notice.

The union said it wanted a suspensions process to be fairer and its members are also in dispute about overtime pay.