Public sector workers vote for strike action

Local government workers in the UK have voted to stage a series of summer strikes over the government’s plans for pay restraint.

UNISON members in local government in England, Wales and Northern Ireland voted by 55% to 45% for a programme of sustained strike action over a 2.45% pay offer.

Nearly 600,000 union members were balloted on industrial action. The union is demanding pay rises of 6% or 50p an hour whichever is greater.

Commenting on the ballot result, general secretary Dave Prentis said: "This is a solid vote for action and a clear message to the local government employers that our members are willing to fight for a decent pay rise.’

“They are fed up and angry that they are expected to accept pay cut after pay cut, while bread and butter prices go through the roof.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis

"They are fed up and angry that they are expected to accept pay cut after pay cut, while bread and butter prices go through the roof.

"Most of them are low paid workers, who are hit hardest by food and fuel price hikes and they see the unfairness of boardroom bonanzas and big city bonuses

"Other local government workers who have to use their cars for work are being hit hard too by spiralling fuel costs and they end up subsidising their employers."

UNISON head of local government Heather Wakefield added: "The employers should be in no doubt: the members have voted for a programme of sustained and escalating strike action because they are sick of being treated as the poor relations of the public sector.’