Third bin strike hits city centre

Refuse collectors in Leeds are taking part in a third day of strike action as the council tries to clear a backlog of rubbish from previous walkouts.

Half of the council's refuse workers walked out, missing collections for a third week in a row over pay equality.

GMB regional organiser Bill Chard said: "This action will not only continue, in fact it will multiply."

Councillor Steve Smith, executive for refuse collection, apologised for ongoing disruption to bin collections.

Equal pay

Mr Smith said: "The GMB is deliberately making life difficult for us and residents by continuing its industrial action and work to rule.

"It is having an impact on our ability to catch up on work outstanding while trying to continue with normal collections.

"Regrettably, a small number of households have been missed but we are working extremely hard to clear the backlog."

Mr Chard said: "We will not stand by and see our members subjected to the plundering of their pockets by highly paid council chiefs and we continue the fight for equal pay for women."

A spokesperson for the council estimated that refuse services ran at 50% during the strike.

The strikes relate to a pay and grading review being carried out by all local authorities in response to a national requirement to evaluate all jobs to ensure people are paid fairly.

The GMB wants pay for women workers increased to match their male counterparts, but claims the council's offer would actually mean men's pay falling to the same level as their female colleagues.