UNIONS last night launched a stinging attack on Tory council leaders in Southampton as thousands of workers begin indefinite industrial action today.

Rotting rubbish will start to pile up as 108 bin men and refuse workers walk out this week in the first of a rolling programme of targeted strikes which could later involve street cleaners, parking wardens and gravediggers.

The Unite and Unison unions have threatened the worst industrial action the city has ever seen in a bitter dispute over cuts to the pay and conditions of staff.

Around 4,300 council workers have been threatened with dismissal if they don’t sign up to new contracts cutting their pay by up to 5.5 per cent to make budget savings.

Unite regional officer Ian Woodland last night accused council leader Royston Smith of ignoring the concerns of staff and refusing to engage in “proper negotiations.”

Cllr Smith challenged unions to come up with an alternative to the pay cuts.

All 2,600 members of the unions working for the council will work to rule and refuse overtime. Social workers, housing and environmental health officers will be among those refusing to use their own cars as the council seeks to cut mileage rates to 45p.