BINMEN could strike or take legal action against the borough council over failed contract talks, the unions have said in a statement.

Members have been told their contracts will be terminated then reissued under new terms proposed by the council.

The unions said that the council breached the collective bargaining arrangement and sought individual agreements with employees.

"The result of this action is that only 68 employees have accepted and 118 employees overwhelmingly rejected the proposal," said the GMB, T&G and Unison.

"The job description details and new contracts of employment have not been shared with either the joint trade unions, or the minority of employees who have accepted on an individual basis."

A spokesman added: "The local authorities' actions are against the national agreement for the implementation of a new pay and grading structure, and is unlawful.

"The joint trade unions will not hesitate to take whatever legal action is neede in support of our members.

"Our members are very angry and we wish to make it clear that industrial action cannot be ruled out in the future if management persisit with their current stance."

actions are against the national agreement for the implementation of a new pay and grading structure, and is unlawful.

"The joint trade unions will not hesitate to take whatever legal action is needed in support of our members.

"Our members are very angry and we wish to make it clear that industrial action cannot be ruled out in the future if management persist with their current stance."