Birmingham plans to axe the role of waste recycling and collection officer, which would see those affected lose £8,000 a year, according to trade union Unite.

The union said the role was crucial in keeping workers and the public safe.

From 2 January, 350 staff will take part in an overtime ban and work to rule before 12 days of full strike action starts the following week.

Unite regional officer Zoe Mayou accused the council of negotiating ‘in bad faith’ and refusing to treat workers with ‘fairness and decency’.

A spokesperson for the council said: ‘We are disappointed that this action is taking place, but we are continuing to work through the dispute resolution procedure.’

Birmingham said it had offered several options to the affected workers and most had already opted for redeployment, driver training or voluntary redundancy.

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