Bins in Croydon could sit uncollected for three weeks as workers on “poverty pay” have threatened to strike.

Unite the union has warned locals could face a “stinking summer” if the Veolia employees walk out in their dispute with the firm.

Croydon Council outsources its bin collections to Veolia.

Now more than 100 people employed by the French company have said they will strike this month over a pay dispute.

The Unite members, which includes drivers, loads and sweepers are set to walk out on June 16 until July 8.

Unite has warned that a further strike could be announced if the dispute continues.

The union claims that some workers earn £7,000 less than compared to other London boroughs.

Unite said drivers, who must have a HGV licence, earn £12.51 an hour while loaders and sweepers get £10.75 an hour.

Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham said: “These workers deserve a pay rise and Veolia can well afford to pay it.

"It is a disgrace that a company expecting to pocket over £1 billion in profits won’t pay the rate for the job and is demanding our workers take a pay cut while inflation soars.

“This is out and out corporate greed and we will challenge it all the way. Unite will be giving our members its total support until this dispute is resolved.”

She said after 10 months of negotiations Veolia has offered a 2.5 per cent pay increase to drivers and two per cent increase for others.

Unite is also calling on Croydon Council to intervene in the dispute.

Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said: “Despite extensive negotiations, Veolia has refused to table anything like an adequate pay offer.

"As a result our members are being forced to take strike action as a last resort.

"Even at this late stage strike action and the resulting disruption it will cause can still be avoided by Veolia making an offer that meets members’ expectations.”

A spokesperson for Croydon Council said the authority “strongly encourages” Veolia and workers to come to an outcome that avoids strike action.

They said: “The council has asked Veolia to develop plans to minimise any possible disruption caused and we will provide more details to residents once we know more.

"In the meantime, we ask residents to continue to use the recycling and waste collection service as normal.”

Veolia declined to comment at this time.