BIN collectors in dispute with Wigan Council over proposed shift pattern changes are set to go on strike next Thursday before imposing a six-day overtime ban.

Trade union Unison has confirmed that staff have voted in favour of a walk out in response to their working conditions being changed as part of a £2 million cost cutting exercise.

Bin collections will change from a two to three-week rota from September 25 and Unison says the council is planning to introduce irregular working hours which could see staff required to do extended 11-hour shifts from 6.30am to 5.30pm without notice.

Unison also claims workers will be expected to do Christmas shifts previously covered by volunteers.

The union says its staff have accepted job losses and the introduction of a four-day working week from the council but find the latest proposals to be unacceptable.

Unison Wigan branch secretary Tracy Roberts said: “Wigan Council is playing havoc with the family lives of low-paid workers.

“Refuse collectors do a job that is physically very demanding.

“They are working from early in the morning in all weather and they can walk as far as 15 miles and empty 2,000 bins in a shift.

“Extending the working day to 11 hours will be exhausting.

“We have accepted the smaller workforce and the four-day week but all we want is a set start and finish time and no introduction of compulsory overtime.

“Christmas shifts have always been covered by volunteers and the council’s plan to force staff to work over the festive period regardless of their circumstances is cruel and unnecessary.”

Unison claims workers have been told their contracts will be terminated on September 24 unless they fall in line with the proposed changes.

The union says they will then be invited to return under the new contracts.

The council says the proposed changes are fair and justified and will benefit residents.

It claims 80 per cent of workers have accepted the proposed new working arrangements and it is 'hopeful' of industrial action being avoided.

Karl Battersby, director for economy and environment at the council, said: "We have had to redesign the waste service so it is efficient and effective and we are worked closely with staff throughout this process and taken on board their suggestions.

"The changes include a four-day working week and flexible working with no impact on their pay.

"We amended our proposals and there have been no compulsory redundancies.

"We have also given assurances to staff to minimise the impact the new working arrangements may have on those who have caring responsibilities.

“The new working arrangements will mean that the bin crews will be on the streets earlier to miss the morning rush hour.

“Staff will work 37 hours over four days, however all we are asking is for further staff flexibility to help reduce the potential for missed bins, which can only be good for our residents.

"We are pleased that 80 per cent of our staff have accepted these new working arrangements.

“Unfortunately there are a small number of staff who, despite the concessions we have made, have chosen not to accept our offer.

“This is in opposition to the new working arrangements and not the new three weekly collections.

“Out of a workforce of 133 staff, only 33 Unison members have voted for industrial action.

“The GMB trade union undertook a separate ballot with its members and they did not vote in favour of industrial action.

“We have invited Unison to offer alternative suggestions which will ensure an effective service while achieving the required savings of £2 million per year.

“We are still hopeful we can reach an amicable conclusion with the union ahead of the need for any industrial action.”