Bin workers are set to strike in another part of Kent this month.

GMB Union has announced its members in Dartford have rejected a pay offer, with industrial action to take place at the end of July.

The members are employed as drivers, loaders and street sweepers at Urbaser, Dartford Borough Council’s waste contractor.

Mick Butler, GMB regional organiser, said: “Our members have overwhelmingly rejected management’s offer of an eight per cent pay rise.

“They are not asking the earth, just for a pay rise in line with inflation, which will not leave them worse off now than they were this time last year.

“The members now have their legal mandate for strike action, so it is up to Urbaser now to come back with an improved offer, and if they do so and the members accept, this dispute will be over before it has begun.

“GMB would encourage any residents or businesses in Dartford to contact your local councillors if you do not want your kerbside collections stopped, as Urbaser clearly need a nudge before they stop offering our hard-working members unacceptable wages.”

Dartford is the latest in a number of areas across the county to be hit with bin strike, after refuse workers in Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable walked out in a dispute over pay earlier this week.

The indefinite strike action is being taken by GMB Union members after a breakdown in negotiations with Canenco, Canterbury City Council’s waste contractor.

Tim Guile, regional manager for Urbaser, said: “We have been officially informed by the GMB Union about a planned strike at our Dartford depot due to commence July 27 in response to a pay dispute.

“At Urbaser Ltd we value our staff members and our past performance reflects our commitment to addressing their pay concerns.

“Our offer of an 8% pay increase has been rejected, but we hope to reengage in constructive discussions with GMB Union in the near future.

“While we work towards a resolution, we want to assure residents that our primary focus is on maintaining front-line services.

“We understand the importance of uninterrupted waste and recycling collections, and we are exploring all options to minimise any disruptions during this period.”