refuse collector

If Unison escalates the dispute, it may intensify the programme of strike action and ballot other council staff such as refuse collectors to see if they will go on strike too.

Unison is also warning that it could ballot other council workers - such as refuse collectors - to see if they would also be prepared to go on strike.

It heard workers in roles such as teaching assistants and catering staff, had missed out on bonuses given to staff in jobs traditionally done by men, like refuse collectors and street cleaners.

Members will vote on a possible strike with the union calling for a 12.7% pay rise for teaching assistants and other council staff including carers and refuse collectors.

State media editorials have encouraged young graduates to "roll up their sleeves" and by profiling a woman in her 20s who became a refuse collector after a brief stint as an accountant.