BIN workers have taken the first step towards going on strike as a row with council contractors over extra workloads escalates.

Some refuse bins in Slough have not been collected during the past few weeks because workers are no longer willing to carry two bins at a time, The Observer understands.

A source told the paper, workers have not been given assurances they are insured to carry two bins and have resorted to moving one at a time.

Bin rounds are now not being completed in time leaving some bins uncollected. Union officials have met with contractor Amey, but talks have stalled and a formal dispute has been registered.

A source told The Observer: “This is the first step to industrial action. Workers are not willing to do anything that may result in them losing pay through injury, but they have been told they could face disciplinary action because of it.” The Observer also understands that Amey wants to install cameras on refuse vehicles. “Amey said it is for the safety of the staff, but they will be used to discipline people. They will monitor the cameras back at headquarters,” the source added.

There is also a dispute about working hours. Amey has allegedly told workers they will now have to clock in and out and work set hours, rather than starting early in the morning and finishing when they have completed their bin round – whatever the time.

Workers are also worried about impending cuts, with the council looking to make 15% savings on the contact by September.

“A health and safety issue has escalated into a big problem. We don’t want it to be like this, because it affects the people of Slough,” the source said.

A spokeswoman for Amey said: “We remain committed to working closely with the trade unions in order to reach a resolution. In the meantime we can ensure that there will be minimal disruption to the citizens of Slough.”