Sandwell bins ballot for action

Bin workers in Sandwell, West Midlands, were set to start their ballot for strikes this week. The 100 workers, of the GMB and Unite unions, are angry over council “single status” plans that would mean pay cuts of up to £2,900 each.

They have been on an unofficial “go-slow” and work-to-rule that has left rubbish piling up on the streets for the last four weeks.