UNION leaders have warned “significant” bin disruption is on the way if council bosses fail to meet their demands.

The GMB, which represents Cityclean workers, and Brighton and Hove City Council have been negotiating about pay this week.

The union is expected to make a decision on the council’s latest offer this morning.

It said “significant” further industrial action would follow if the council response was unsatisfactory, with the threat of strikes as early as next week.

The city’s bins are already pilling up as employees work to rule.

Mark Turner, branch secretary of the GMB, said he “regretted” the impact on residents but blamed council leaders for the disruption.

He said: “We don’t want to go down this road. We have been talking to them for 23 weeks and they have not come forward with anything.

“They are starting to suggest things now but why have they waited so long? They could have saved all of this.

“We will make a decision on Friday and may seek a meeting to clarify a few points.”

The union wants the 38 bin lorry drivers to be put on a higher pay grade.

They picketed at Cityclean’s Hollingdean depot in Brighton in an initial walk out.

With drivers on strike, other workers could not do their rounds and rubbish was not collected.

They have been working to rule since, working no over-time and while they clear bins, waste left on the pavement has been uncollected.

Mr Turner said: “Kitcat and co will say the union bosses have caused this, but they are wrong. A union is a democratic organisation.

“I don’t get up in the morning and say ‘let’s go on strike next week’. I have nothing to do with it, I don’t get a ballot paper.

“They are sent to our members at their homes.

“This action is of the council’s doing.”

The Argus asked the council for comment on Wednesday and yesterday, but on both occasions it failed to respond.