Southampton council workers set to strike again

Union member workers have taken part in several walk-outs since May, some lasting up to two weeks

Workers at Southampton City Council are set to strike again next week over pay cuts and working conditions.

Unions are unhappy members face reductions in their working hours, resulting in less pay - but the council said it was necessary to save 400 jobs.

Many workers, including refuse collectors and street cleaners, returned this week after a strike.

They are set to be joined by librarians in another seven-day walk-out starting on 28 June.

Meanwhile talks between the unions and the council have resumed with the government's conciliation service Acas and will continue on Thursday.

'Issuing propaganda'

The strike is in response to a plan by the Conservative-led authority to impose new contracts on the city's 4,300 council employees, which they have been told they have to accept by 11 July - or face the sack.

Talks lasting nine hours ended without agreement on Sunday.

Mike Tucker, of Unison, said: "The city council is still not negotiating seriously with the trade unions.

"They seem more intent on issuing propaganda than sitting down with the trade unions to reach a fair settlement.

"As 11 July approaches, unless the council withdraws the mass dismissal notices, the industrial action will escalate."

The unions have offered to withdraw strike action if the employers withdraw dismissal notices.

Royston Smith, leader of the council, said: "I am surprised and disappointed that more strike action has been announced during ongoing discussions aimed at resolving the situation.

'Action unnecessary'

"I am truly sorry for the impact this industrial action is having upon our residents.

"We want to work with the unions and have actively sought their views for months.

"[This is] the sixth time we have met formally to discuss our plans to make savings and each time we have offered concessions, the unions have offered nothing in return.

"I hope they take this latest opportunity to contribute their own ideas on how we can make those savings."

Ian Woodland, of Unite, said: "Our members want to get back to work to serve the public and if council leaders are serious about reaching agreement I am sure it is possible."

In February, councillors finalised budget cuts of £25m and said all workers earning more than £17,500, which is 65% of staff, would have their pay cut by reducing working hours.

It claimed the alternative to pay cuts was to lose another 400 staff on top of the 285 already planned.