Mark Whitehead 23 May 2023

More than 360,000 frontline workers vote on pay strike

More than 360,000 frontline workers vote on pay strike  image
Image: RobertoBarcellona / Shutterstock.com.

More than a third of a million council and school support staff in England and Wales have started voting on a possible strike over pay.

Their union Unison says the flat rate rise of £1,925 offer made to local government staff is ‘nowhere near what’s needed to meet rising prices during the cost of living crisis’.

It had called for an increase of 2% above inflation and is now asking more than 360,000 workers it represents in the sector whether they are prepared to take industrial action.

It says the value of local government pay has fallen by 25% since 2010.

The ballot which will close on 4 July includes refuse collectors, social workers, teaching assistants, librarians and others.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: ‘Staff are leaving their jobs because pay is falling ever further behind, and neighbourhoods will suffer.

‘Bins won’t be collected, schools won’t have sufficient staff and vulnerable people will be deprived of vital support.

‘These workers are truly dedicated but they’ve had enough. Going on strike is a huge step that isn’t taken lightly but many feel they have to make a stand.’

Sign up here to recieve our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Light Vehicle Mechanic

Derbyshire County Council
£27,507 - £29,418
We are looking for a highly motivated Light Vehicle Mechanic to join our County Transport team County Transport – Ambergate Workshops
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Public Health Practitioner

West Northamptonshire Council
£46,878 - £50,071
This permanent post is a perfect opportunity to someone who wants to make a difference to healthy lifestyles and health inequalities in West Northamptonshire. We are looking for someone to join our team working with the Public Health Specialist and Princi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

DigiGo Minibus Driver

Essex County Council
Up to £22361 per annum
DigiGo Minibus DriverFixed Term, Full Time and Part TimeUp to £22,361 per annum (FTE)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Services Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £23344 per annum
Customer Services AssistantPermanent, Full Time and Part TimeUp to £23,344 per annum (FTE)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Facilities Assistant - Essex Outdoors

Essex County Council
Up to £22361 per annum
Do you love keeping things tidy and working with young people? If you are looking for a rewarding and flexible job, you can join Essex Outdoors as England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.