Council workers strike against cuts

Submitted by Matthew on 15 February, 2012 - 1:05

Workers at Cheshire West and Chester Council staged a three-hour stoppage on Tuesday 14 February to mark the beginning of a campaign of industrial action that will involve selective strikes in coming weeks.

The workers – members of Unite, Unison and GMB – are attempting to force management to abandon a plan to introduce new terms and conditions, which unions say will reduce overtime pay and weekend allowance, by dismissing and re-engaging staff.

GMB organiser Graham McDermott said: “The aim of this industrial action is to oppose the council’s decision to impose changes to terms and conditions by means of dismissal and reengagement.

“The cuts include the loss of enhancement for weekend working, removal of some shift premiums and the removal of the majority of Bank Holiday premiums. These cuts will impact on many of the lower paid council employees.

“GMB and the other trade unions have tried to engage the council in meaningful discussions to reach a sensible compromise on the cuts but the council have refused to listen.

“This has left over 3,000 members of the three unions with no alternative but to take industrial action in order to have their voices heard.”

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