Bin workers are considering strike action in the new year over a council dispute over low pay.

The strikes would be set to begin in January 2023 and could last over a month.

Workers from Chichester District Council will be balloted over strike action as they seek to pay equal to the rates of other councils.

Gary Palmer, regional organiser for the GMB union, said: “We are clear that although we are here, ready and waiting to thrash out a deal if the council want, we can’t ignore our members’ clear instruction to either negotiate a deal which recognises their own true worth or organise for industrial action.

“We need to stress that strike action will always be the last option, but as a credible union, we need to take that option if we are ignored for too long.”

Representatives of the GMB union said that they entered into discussions with Chichester District Council over better pay in October.

The refuse workers are seeking equal pay compared to workers at Adur and Worthing and Brighton and Hove councils.

Chichester District Council say that they previously negotiated a pay increase of between eight and ten per cent with refuse workers.

A spokeswoman for Chichester District Council said: “We are extremely disappointed that our refuse workers are being balloted for strike action. We hugely value our waste and recycling staff. Our rates of pay are comparable with other local authorities, and we offer excellent terms and conditions.

"We are committed to continuing talks with the unions and hope for an early resolution to this matter. We also want to assure our residents that we will do everything we can to minimise disruption should industrial action take place."

The ballot opens on Tuesday, October 8, and closes on Tuesday, October 29.