THOUSANDS of householders across Sandwell face the prospect of rubbish piling up over Christmas and the New Year after binmen rejected a £900 bonus.
Refuse collectors were offered the extra payment for working on December 26 and 27 and January 2 - all Bank Holidays. But they have snubbed the hefty bonus and told bosses they want a further £400.
Sandwell Council has been told the binmen will only empty bins on those days if they get £1,300 apiece.
Urgent talks are now being held between council staff and union leaders to try to bring an end to the stalemate.
Bin lorry drivers in Sandwell earn around £27,000 a year and binmen across the borough take home around £22,000.
