A FOUR-DAY refuse collection strike over poverty pay in Cumbria is set to begin tomorrow, after last-minute talks failed to settle the dispute, Unite the union confirmed today. 

The walkouts in and around Workington involve about 60 staff employed by Allerdale Waste Services — a private company wholly owned by Cumberland Council.

The employees, some of whom are paid just £10.90 an hour, are “among the lowest-paid refuse workers throughout the UK,” the union charged.

Last-minute talks held on Monday collapsed when management refused to increase wage rates and instead only offered two extra annual leave days, according to Unite. 

General secretary Sharon Graham said: “There is absolutely no justification at all to be paying rates far below what workers undertaking the same roles in neighbouring areas receive.”

The action will continue with a six-day walkout from Tuesday and a further strike between May 9 and 11.

A council spokesperson said: “We are working with Allerdale Waste Services who are in dialogue with union reps. 

“We will update residents in due course on any disruption to kerbside waste collections.”