WASTE crews are taking “collective action” in an “unofficial strike” across Basildon, forcing council chiefs to draft in agency staff to plug the gaps.

Pink sacks have been left strewn across Basildon’s streets in recent weeks, with collections suspended due to a shortage of staff.

Extra staff were then brought in to help out, with more being trained to become lorry drivers.

Campaign group Justice For Refuse Workers and Cleansers, who were behind recent protests in Thurrock over pay and conditions, have been holding “informal” talks with waste staff in Basildon.

The Echo understands Basildon’s waste crews have collectively called in sick, amid a “breakdown in relationship” between the council and staff.

Craig Rimmer, Tory councillor in charge of the leisure and environment committee, admitted lessons should be learnt from the pink sack chaos.

He said: “The issues at hand are internal and disciplinary related.

“We’re fighting with other people for staff. It’s usual to use agency staff.

“We’ve navigated through it now, but lessons should be learnt.”

Mr Rimmer criticised the council for slow communications when the collections were first suspended two weeks ago, and admitted refuse cleaners should have been told not to move pink sacks into larger piles in preparation for crews to collect them.

This comes after a couple’s car was blocked in their garage last week, because rubbish had been moved, and piled in front of it.

Mr Rimmer refused to rule out collections being suspended in the future due to a shortage in staff.

A spokesman from Justice For Refuse Workers and Cleansers, said: “People have finally had enough. Best of luck to those in Basildon.

“Driving a dustcart around urban streets, jumping in and out of the wagon, dealing with angry motorists and tight turns and alleys etc is difficult.

“If councils want to retain their staff they need to pay them properly – not a subsistence wage but a living wage.

“And that goes for loaders and cleansers too. It’s only now there’s a shortage of us they’re apparently seeing the value in our job.”

It’s understood Basildon’s waste crews haven’t contacted a union.

Last week, Basildon Council insisted an official strike is not occurring.