Refuse collectors and street cleaners have gone on strike in Rugby in a dispute over pay.

The industrial action by Unite members began at 00:01 BST on Tuesday and is due to end on 10 May. However, the union said further action could take place.

The trade union said the workers were some of the lowest paid compared with neighbouring councils.

Rugby Borough Council said a review of job roles would be completed in May.

Unite said the local authority had "dragged its feet for more than a year" over a pay deal with street cleaners, HGV lorry drivers and loaders.

The union said the starting salary for a street cleaner in Rugby begins at £17,100 and reaches £19,200 after five years of increments, while a loader's annual wage begins at £19,200 and reaches £21,300 after five years, while drivers earn £21,300 and their pay reaches £23,400 after five years.

But the council disputes this saying street cleaners are paid between £18,887 to £20,043; loaders between £20,043 and £22,129 and drivers £22,571 to £24,920. plus a recruitment and retention payment and additional money for vehicle checks, with all three roles receiving additional bank holiday payments.

The council added: "These roles and pay have been benchmarked, and are above average, or higher, when compared to other employers."

Striking refuse collector Robert Thomas, who has worked for the authority for 26 years, said by the time he has paid his bills, and done a "basic" shop, "all your money is gone".

"It is a time when we need to stand and get a decent pay rise from the council," he said.

As the cost of living increases, the workers were demanding a "significant uplift" as they were now struggling, with some using food banks, the union said.

"Rugby Borough Council should hang its head in shame," Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said.

"Instead of recognising that a pay increase is an absolute necessity as living costs spiral upwards, the council has dragged its feet for over a year."

Driver and Unite union shop steward Clifford Hancox said pay rates were "not right for this day and age," and that workers were prepared to take action "for as long as it takes".

In response, the local authority said a 1.75% pay settlement had been agreed by the National Joint Council for local government services.

A "benchmarking" review conducted in February comparing the council's pay to that offered in similar roles by 19 other employers, including at councils and within the private sector, found Rugby Borough Council salaries to be above the median pay on offer, it added.

Officials also said job descriptions were being reviewed in February to ensure pay grades reflected the duties and responsibilities each role entailed.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk

Books of Remembrance - Residents can leave tributes to former Lord Mayor of Coventry and council leader John Mutton

Check out the Coventry shop which now has the first ever 'Smart Soda' machine in Europe

Warwickshire solicitors raise nearly £2,000 for Myton Hospice

Volunteers from across the Warwick district applauded for their community spirit at a Leamington awards ceremony

Police respond to reports of burglary and discover cannabis grow in Coventry

Pictures as police use stingers to stop drivers of two stolen cars

Millions of Australians head to polls to pick PM

Australians vote for next leader

Russia declares victory at Mariupol steelworks

Why is Australia's parliament so white?

Do Australians trust their PM candidates? Video Do Australians trust their PM candidates?

Why mushrooms are killing India tea garden workers

North Korea fighting Covid with tea and salt water

Monkeypox: Time to worry or one to ignore?

The volunteer drivers risking their lives for others

Shot Palestinian's family claim Israel police abuse

The medieval Mughal emperor being debated today

Online groups hunt for baby formula during US shortage

The giant deep-Earth 'blobs' baffling scientists

They're among the planet's largest structures – and they're a total mystery

The cities turning offices into luxury apartments

Office buildings are ghost towns, so high-end apartments are taking their place

An unorthodox way to eat pizza

A century ago, Italian immigrants in Argentina's capital gave pizza an unusual new topping

© 2022 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.