WASTE collection workers in north Somerset are balloting on strike action after rejecting a “rubbish” wage increase.

Almost 100 workers collect waste from 88,000 homes and are members of general union GMB.

They have rejected a 1.75 per cent pay increase as RPI inflation stands at 7.8 per cent.

The workers are employed by North Somerset Environment Services, which is owned by Tory-run North Somerset Council.

GMB regional organiser Tim Northover said: “Hard-pressed staff are extremely angry about the rubbish pay on offer, particularly in light of the cost-of-living crisis we’re all facing.

“North Somerset Council needs to wake up and support a pay rise — it’s time to negotiate with us and our reps to avoid any industrial action before it has even begun.”

The ballot closes on March 4.

A council spokesperson said the 1.75 per cent increase was “fair.”

It comes as Hastings refuse workers called off a strike after accepting a “whopping” pay deal on Wednesday. 

GMB members working for Biffa Municipal Ltd in East Sussex accepted a pay increase of between 11 and 19.5 per cent — as well as a bonus of £500 to £600 before April 1, their union announced yesterday .