Council workers in strike ballot over pay

Workers at councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are being balloted for strike action over pay by the GMB.

The union said 220,000 of its members, who work in councils and schools, will vote on the offer worth 1% for most.

Action is scheduled for 10 July should they vote "yes", says the GMB.

The Unite union also says it will ask health workers in England and Northern Ireland if they want to hold a vote on industrial action over pay, which would also take place on July 10.

That would be in protest at the Government's decision not to accept a recommended 1% pay rise for NHS workers.

The July 10 date is significant because it has already been earmarked as a general day of protest over government policy on cutting costs and jobs in the public sector.

A consultative ballot by the GMB among its members suggested 83% wanted to run a strike ballot.

Reluctant

The GMB's national officer, Brian Strutton, said: "GMB members in councils and schools have spoken loud and clear - they do not want another low pay offer and they are prepared to do something about it.

"Members have asked the union to instigate an official strike ballot which the GMB executive has today approved. We will be balloting members in June and if the result is positive, we plan to strike on 10 July.

"Industrial action is not our members' preference but faced with years of pay freezes, low pay, cuts and job losses, they are saying enough is enough."