WORKERS who provided essential services during the height of the coronavirus pandemic have vowed to continue fighting in defence of their pay. 

Employees who were applauded by Thurrock residents for their contribution during the health crisis face losing between £1,200 and £3,800 a year.

As a result, many of Thurrock Council's waste and recycling workers could be left struggling to pay their bills and unable to afford their mortgage payments. 

In defence of their money, which has come under 'attack' from the authority's bosses, the workers have been on strike since the April 13. 

Today, the Unite union informed Thurrock Council that their members' strike will continue until June 18.

The strike will end sooner, however, if the council agrees to end the 'attack' on the essential workers' pay and conditions.

Today, councillor Andrew Jefferies, cabinet member for waste services, claimed there are no savings attached to the councils' proposals. 

The council itself, however, has advised the unions the proposed savings are approximately £967,000 and with other changes the total savings are approximately £1,077,694.

Read More: Dozens of workers down tools over pay row

Unite regional officer Michelle Cook said: "The blame for this ongoing strike lies squarely at the feet of council bosses.

"It's an absolute disgrace that Thurrock Council is trying to slash thousands of pounds from essential workers' pay in the middle of a health crisis. 

"These essential workers who were applauded for their work through the pandemic are defending their pay.

"Thurrock Council can end this strike if it chooses. Instead it's spending thousands of pounds on external contractors while the rubbish piles up.

"It's time for the chief executive Lyn Carpenter and the leader of the council Rob Gledhill to end the disruption and negotiate an end to this dispute."