THE Isle of Wight Festival may end up buried by its own rubbish as refuse workers prepare to go on strike over poor pay.

The GMB members are in dispute with their employer Amey and say wages are well below industry rates.

Union members have said the current tabled deal does not rectify their pay levels – and that a strike could coincide with the popular festival, due to take place on June 16-19.

GMB regional organiser Gary Palmer said: “Our members are simply looking for a pay rise which reflects their worth.

“These are key workers who were working throughout the pandemic and are now looking for some recognition of that.

“This is a physically demanding job which needs doing come rain or shine, and any pay rise needs to reflect not only that, but also keep above inflation, which has hit a record high this week.

“We are very clear that anything below inflation is a de facto pay cut.”

Mr Palmer said that if Amey agrees to get around the table with GMB and put together a pay deal that “properly reflects” the rising costs of food, fuel and household bills, “there won’t be any need for a strike.”

The council was approached for comment.