Rotherham gravediggers' strike called off after new pay offer

The union is calling for cemetery maintenance staff to be paid £11.10 an hour

A three-day strike by gravediggers in Rotherham has been called off to consider a new pay offer, a union said.

Unison said it had suspended the industrial action in order to consult its members on the revised offer.

The workers are employed by Glendale Grounds Maintenance (GGM), a private contractor delivering the crematoria service for the council.

The BBC has contacted GGM for a response.

The union claimed workers had lost out significantly financially since being transferred out of direct council employment more than a decade ago.

Previously, the union said workers employed by the contractor were paid £1,100 a year less than similar staff employed directly by the council.

Regional organiser Dan Wood said: "Staff have fought long and hard to see their pay improve.

"It's right they take time to consider the latest offer from their employer.

"This shows the importance of standing up for better pay. However, if workers decide to reject the offer, Unison will continue to support them in negotiations."

Cemetery maintenance work in Rotherham is contracted out to a company called Dignity, which then sub-contracts services to GGM, the union said.

Richard Shepherd from Dignity said he was pleased the strike was not going ahead.

"However, we would like to reassure grave owners and bereaved families that any industrial action would not impact on the services they receive," he said.

"As a nationwide company, we can utilise our people and resources wherever they are most needed, and we also require any contractor to have a contingency for occasions such as this."

The BBC has contacted Rotherham Borough Council for comment.