A “CATALOGUE of failures” by councillors means that Coventry’s long-running bin strike will continue into the summer, Unite has charged as HGV drivers backed further industrial action by a massive margin. 

Walkouts will recommence on Monday March 28 after 94 per cent of workers balloted agreed to continue their fight against low pay, the union said.

The strikes, involving about 70 workers, will run throughout spring, including during the local elections in May when 18 of the city’s council seats are up for grabs.

Unite has accused the Labour-run local authority, led by Cllr George Duggins, of “squandering millions” by paying temporary agency drivers more than its members are asking for during the dispute, which began in late January.

Today, dozens of the union’s activists representing refuse workers nationwide attended a meeting in Birmingham to plan a co-ordinated fightback against deteriorating pay and working conditions in the sector.

Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said that the campaign would aim to unite local government and privatised workers so councillors and employers could no longer “play them off” against each other.

“Our members in Coventry are the inspiration for workers across the country to unite and fight back,” he said.

Attendees also said that they wanted to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Unite shop steward Peter Randle, who was suspended by the council last week on “bogus charges,” the union claimed. 

Unite slammed the “outrageous” decision, saying that Mr Randle, who now faces dismissal, has suffered “abuse and victimisation” during the dispute.

Councillors are also refusing to attend any meetings, discussions or negotiations and failing to take responsibility for their actions, the union charged. 

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “We need a co-ordinated approach to address the cost-of-living crisis gripping workers.

“That’s why Unite’s refuse worker representatives from across the country are joining forces to fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

The local authority has been contacted for comment.