BINMEN are set to strike for another three weeks over proposed changes to terms and conditions a union claims could see workers lose up to £3,000 a year.

Thurrock bin men, who have been on strike since April 13, are set to only collect food and general waste until the end of May.

Unite the union claims refuse workers, highways maintenance and street cleaning teams are the target of proposed cuts up to £3,500.

But Thurrock Council insists the union signed an agreement which included £800,000 investment in pay in the first year of a four-year pay deal.

One bin worker, 47, from South Ockendon, said: “Unfortunately we think it is necessary as the council have yet to meet with us to specifically discuss this dispute, although I believe a meeting has been set up for Thursday.

“The council is constantly banging on about their pay scales, the fact remains the average loader is on £24,800 a year, after these cuts we will be on £23,700 a year after working through the pandemic. That’s why we’re striking.”

Thurrock Council bosses hit out at the decision and say they are extremely disappointed at the strike action as formal consultations are ongoing with unions and staff.

A spokesman said: “This is especially concerning following a lengthy conciliation meeting was held on Thursday, April 22 between the council and the three recognised trade unions to seek a resolution to the dispute with Unite and a find a way forward in meeting the shared commitment in the Collective Agreement.

“The council believed that good progress was made in the meeting with all parties confirming commitment to ongoing talks, this announcement indicates that Unite the union’s attendance appears to have been wholly disingenuous.

“The council will continue to do whatever it can to mitigate the impact of this needless action.

“The council has remained clear the pay review is not reducing salaries, staff are continuing to see salaries increasing year on year which, in the majority of cases, will more than balance out any financial impact from changes to allowances.”