Council building workers to go on strike

Unite said the workers would go on strike on 14 dates in February and March

Council workers who carry out building and maintenance duties for their employer are set to strike in February and March, a union has confirmed.

Unite said about 100 workers at Sandwell Council, including carpenters, bricklayers and plumbers, would strike on 14 dates between 5 February and 22 March.

The union stated the walk-outs were a result of the council reneging on an agreement made in August to pay staff a market supplement of £2,900.

A spokesperson for Sandwell Council said: “Housing repair officers provide a vital service for our tenants, ensuring that our stock of more than 28,000 council homes across Sandwell are maintained.

“We understand the concerns Unite have raised on behalf of their members.

"We will continue to work with them to find a resolution to the dispute and hope that industrial action can be avoided.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members have had enough of Sandwell’s disgraceful behaviour."

The union said the walk-outs would take place on 5, 9, 12, 15, 19, 23 and 26 February and 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18 and 22 March.