WORKERS at a waste management firm in Widnes are set to take part in industrial action in a dispute over unpaid shifts.

Unite members at waste management provider, Veolia Environmental Services UK Ltd, have overwhelmingly voted for strike action and action short of a strike, including an overtime ban.

Workers at the Ditton Road Widnes site are employed on a contract of any five shifts from seven. However, drivers are not being paid if they work a sixth shift in a seven day period.

78.3 per cent voted in favour of strike action and action short of strike on a turnout of 92 per cent.

Unite regional officer Steven Gerrard said: “The massive vote in favour of strike action by Unite members sends a clear message to Veolia bosses that they must now come up with a reasonable proposal to resolve this dispute.

“If strike action takes place then this could have a serious impact on rubbish collections from a number of well-known high street brands including McDonalds, Boots, Wetherspoons and Asda.

“This situation simply cannot continue. Unite is calling for genuine and serious talks with Veolia management to avert strike action going ahead.”

Unite says it is 'committed' to resolving the dispute.

Phil Gilmour, Regional Director Veolia UK said:  "We are disappointed that employees at the Widnes depot have balloted for industrial action, the dispute is currently being discussed with the National Joint Trade Unions at ACAS.

"Significant progress was made at the last meeting and a follow-up meeting has been scheduled in early December."