A SUMMER of misery for residents is looming as refuse workers plan a series of strikes over pay and conditions.

Bromley's refuse workers are planning a rolling programme of strikes and overtime bans unless waste contractors' Onyx "significantly" improve a recent pay offer.

Onyx workers rejected a 12.9 per cent pay increase over three years and have been balloting union members on whether to take industrial action.

John Perry, of the Transport and General Workers' Union, which represents the borough's 120 refuse workers, said he was "99.9 per cent certain" there would be strikes.

He said: "Unless the company is able to move significantly from its offer we will take steps to industrial action."

He added: "We are at an all-time low as regards our relations with Onyx.

"The company needs to address the way it treats people, both in terms of bullying behaviour and how they pay Bromley dustmen."

The binmen are paid an average of £12,000 annually while their counterparts in Lewisham earn £19,000. Threats of suspension were made to dustmen who refused to turn up to work on the Saturday after the Jubilee bank holiday weekend.

An Onyx spokesman confirmed the company considered suspending 17 workers who failed to report for duty.

She said: "It is normal practice in Bromley for refuse collectors to work the Saturday following the bank holiday to catch up.

"The workforce, en-masse and individually, was reminded of their obligation to work the Saturday."

She added: "In the event, after agreement with the workforce, the suspensions were not carried out."

Onyx bosses were due to meet senior union officials yesterday to continue pay negotiations in an attempt to avoid industrial action.

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akwintner@london.newsquest.co.uk