BIN collections are being affected in Oldbury, Cradley Heath, Blackheath and Rowley Regis this week as refuse workers in Sandwell have begun nine days of strike action today (Monday June 5).

They are picketing at Shidas Lane tip in Oldbury this morning until noon after rejecting a pay offer from their employer.

Further strikes will be held tomorrow (June 6), then June 7, 8 ,12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

Sandwell Council says there will be temporary changes to bin collections this week - from Monday (June 5) to Thursday June 8, general waste collections (grey bin) and garden waste collections (if subscribed to) will be prioritised.

Recycling and food waste collections will not take place.

Residents who do not receive a collection on their usual day, (general waste/garden waste next week) should leave those bins out until they have been emptied. This will be done as soon as possible.

There will bit be catch up collections as a result of the strike action.

The union GMB says Serco – Sandwell Council's outsourced refuse provider – has refused to meet the rate of inflation so far in pay offers.

The industrial action covers those working on street cleansing, the tip, waste collections (drivers and loaders on the bins), administration and the transfer station.

Justine Jones, GMB Organiser, said: “Serco have failed to recognise and value the work of refuse workers across our borough.

“To impose a real terms pay cut in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis in a generation is a disgrace.

“The workers are clear - Serco need to get back around the table with an offer that properly reflects their value before it’s too late".

A Sandwell Council spokesperson said: “The services Serco provide are extremely important for our residents.

"As a council we will be working hard to ensure that any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum and we urge Serco to work with its employees and the trade unions to find a resolution to the dispute.

“We hope talks can continue and that a resolution can be found as soon as possible."