Industrial action fears over council pay wrangle
Fears of industrial action by council workers have risen after they rejected a pay offer.
Members of the GMB and Unite have voted against the 1.75% offer, which union officials described as "pathetic".
Last week it emerged that UNISON is to ballot for industrial action among the 400,000 council and school staff it represents over what the union says is an “inadequate” pay offer from employers.
The vote follows a monthlong consultation with members where 79% voted to reject the offer.
GMB national officer Rehana Azam said: "School staff, refuse collectors and council workers have kept our country moving through the coronavirus crisis, often putting themselves in harm's way.
"They've had their pay slashed by 23% in real terms during a decade of austerity – now they're being offered yet another pay cut. It's offensive.
"GMB will urge local government employers to get back round the table and improve the pay offer or we will have no alternative but to begin preparing for industrial action."
Unite's 70,000 local government members voted by four to one to reject the offer earmarked for council staff.
General secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our members have held our services together at a time of national emergency and this resounding vote shows their anger at this insulting offer.
"With the cost of living soaring and more tax hikes on the way, Unite is determined to ensure the Local Government Association thinks again and offers our members the fair and decent pay that they undeniably deserve."