REFUSE collectors in Redcar and Cleveland yesterday formally announced their planned strike action.

Starting on Monday, November 20, the collectors in Redcar and Cleveland plan a series of one-day strikes, and begin a ban on overtime, because they are unhappy at plans by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to introduce a change of shift patterns.

They say the patterns would see them working into the evenings, and that they have the support of residents in the borough in their opposition.

Colin Moore, council chief executive, said: "We apologise to the public that there is going to be disruption in an otherwise excellent service. The council must be able to set reasonable flexibility from its workforce, and remains prepared to do all it can for a negotiated settlement."

The refuse collectors were balloted by their unions, Unison and the TGWU, and voted to take strike action.