UNION bosses have announced another wave of strikes as they escalate their bitter dispute with council leaders over plans to cut workers' pay.

Unison and Unite have revealed another week-long walkout will start next Tuesday, after crunch talks last week at conciliation service ACAS failed to see a deal reached.

More than 300 Southampton City Council workers will join the industrial action, including bin men, street cleaners, traffic wardens, Itchen Bridge toll collectors, who have all already taken part in the strikes.

They will now be joined by city library workers, with Unison saying about 95 per cent of the workforce are members.

Talks between the council and unions are due to resume tomorrow, as bin men and street cleaners return to work and start clearing some of the rubbish that is blighting Southampton.

But with staff still refusing overtime, residents are unlikely to see the mountains of extra waste that has built up during the dispute removed.

Council leader Royston Smith said: “I remain determined to bring an end to this dispute and will continue to meet with trade unions in an attempt to negotiate a way forward.

“I am surprised and disappointed that more strike action has been announced during ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the situation.

"I am truly sorry for the impact that this industrial action is having upon our residents."