Refuse collectors are meeting officials from Birmingham City Council in an attempt to avert a strike over a long-running pay dispute. Unions who represent the rubbish collectors are to speak with Council representatives after a recent vote was taken to only work 50 per cent of their shifts over a two-day period. Unions said a pay review meant some refuse workers would lose £4,000 a year. The council replied it had to change pay rates to meet equality laws.