Binmen and street cleaners have begun balloting on industrial action.
The workers employed by Arun District Council are voting on strike action after unanimously rejecting a pay offer.
The GMB union is seeking a £1 per hour increase for refuse collectors and street cleaning.
GMB organiser Gary Smith said many staff had to rely on social security to make ends meet.
He said: "Arun District Council appears to have buried its head in the sand on this issue.
"We are not bluffing. Services are going to be disrupted because I am sure our members will vote in favour of industrial action.
"The council should be facilitating a dialogue so we can deal with the issue of poverty pay and improve the service for the public."
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