Bin workers who say they “cannot survive” on their current salary have voted to press ahead with a strike.

GMB Trade Union members in Thanet came together earlier this week and gave a “resounding vote for industrial action”, with 88.24% opting to walk out.

The workers say they will notify Thanet District Council of their demands, and if negotiations are not offered, residents can expect to see rubbish collections halted.

Gary Palmer, regional organiser for the union, told KentOnline: “The meeting was unanimous - we want to press ahead.

“They cannot survive - our members are using food banks because they are struggling to pay their bills.

“Workers have gone through Covid, gone through the cost-of-living crisis.

“They really value the work they do but are not getting the recognition from the council that they deserve.”

He reports workers feel empowered by their decision.

He said members will inform the council of their decision, and “if they don't want to sit and talk” strike notices will be issued.

‘We apologise to residents for any discomfort - this was a last resort...’

The notices will mark two weeks before workers stop collecting waste.

Mr Palmer assures that should discussions begin with Thanet council, action will stop.

He added: “We apologise to residents for any discomfort - this was a last resort.

“Thanet Council will be the ones that have to explain when the rubbish piles in the street.”

You can find more information about the waste collection strikes here.

There are warnings people across Kent could be affected by bin strikes if wage demands are not taken seriously.

People across Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable have also been told they could face a summer of unemptied bins, with GMB members being consulted on whether to push forward with three months of industrial action in May, June and July.

In the neighbouring districts of Folkestone and Dover, bin workers have already voted in favour of industrial action.

Thanet District Council says efforts are being made to arrange a meeting with the unions.

A spokesman said: “We are committed to providing our residents with essential services and our staff play a critical role in enabling us to do this.

“We haven't received notice of strike action. We have invited representatives from both GMB and Unison to attend meetings held previously to discuss the specific issue of market rates and the wider review of pay. GMB haven’t attended.

“We are now in the process of arranging a further meeting to discuss the situation, with the aim of reaching an agreement.

“We recognise the need to support our staff and competitive pay is important for recruitment and retention.”