Birmingham refuse workers to be balloted on strike action
Unions say it's in a row over pay and changes to roles
A Union has said that around 400 refuse workers are being balloted over strike action in a row over pay and roles.
Unite union said dozens of workers could lose up to £8,000 per year under Birmingham City Council's plans.
The ballot will open on Friday and run until Wednesday 4 December.
A consultation period with unions had finished and a decision to proceed with a proposal to change to the new operating arrangements had been taken, a city council spokesman said.
Unite said the council "had refused to back down" on plans that would in effect downgrade certain members of staff by cutting their Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role.
It added that the post brought safety expertise to an "often dirty and dangerous job", citing the example of the death of David Carpenter who was crushed to death while collecting bins in Coventry last year.
Birmingham City Council, which effectively declared itself bankrupt last September, is trying to find £300m in savings over two years.
The council has been approached for comment