BINMEN who cover Cradley Heath, Old Hill, Rowley Regis and Oldbury have moved a step closer to taking strike action over a 'toxic' management culture.

Serco workers who carry out bin rounds for Sandwell Council, are moving towards industrial action after 98 percent of members voted to proceed to a strike ballot last week.

The workers, based at the Shidas Lane depot in Oldbury, are members of the GMB union.

The union said the move follows months of bullying from management - including the sacking of disabled workers who shielded during the pandemic - and threatening workers who speak out about safety issues.

Justine Jones, GMB Regional Organiser said: “Serco are showing their nasty side to the world once again, threatening members who raise safety concerns and trying to bully their way to profit.

“They don’t understand, you can’t beat solidarity with cruelty, and our members are in this fight to win.

“Nobody goes to work to get bullied, injured or abused.

"We won’t stop until the culture changes."

The union sent out a consultative ballot for strike action to around 90 members - 98 per cent of those members voted to proceed to an official strike ballot.

The ballot will now be conducted with the result expected to be announced on July 21.

For a strike to go ahead 50 per cent of the members must return their ballot and forty per cent must vote to take strike action.

A series of strikes would then be staged, probably in August.

A Serco spokesperson said: “We recognise the work of our team delivering an important service for the residents of Sandwell during the pandemic.

"The decision by the union to hold a ballot is disappointing and we refute the specific allegations being made.

"We are in continuing dialogue with the GMB and will continue to discuss their concerns.”