Rhondda residents look set to face a bin strike after GMB members in the waste and recycling department voted for industrial action.
GMB members at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council refuse and recycling dept have voted overwhelmingly to support industrial action with a majority of 95 per cet.
The move could see 130 people strike in May, leaving around 108,000 homes without refuse collections.
The union is calling for amendments to the job evaluation scheme after the current system leaves essential workers short-changed for their work.
During the pandemic, refuse workers alongside other essential service workers were put at risk, whilst council big wigs worked from home.
Over the last decade local government staff have seen their wages cut by around 25 percent.
Gareth Morgans, GMB Regional Organiser said:
“This group of workers has been grossly underpaid ever since a job evaluation in 2011.
“The pandemic and current cost of living crisis have brought this to the fore and GMB members are clearly saying enough is enough.
“We are fed up of being the poor relations in comparison to their counterparts in neighbouring local authorities.
"Although talks have commenced to try and find a resolution to this dispute, the result of the ballot means that the clock is now ticking to find a solution and the patience of our members is finite.
“The ball is RCTCBC’s court. We call on the newly elected Labour Group to show leadership and offer fair remuneration for frontline workers - particularly those who worked through the pandemic who put themselves and their families at risk, keeping vital services operating. “
