We Want Big Rise, or Else!

UNION bosses representing 1.5 million council workers will today lodge a claim for a 6% pay rise.

Officials from Unison, the GMB and Unite will urge the Local Government Association to “face down” Government attempts to cap public sector pay deals at 2%.

The claim is on behalf of workers including refuse collectors, librarians, cleaners, architects, planners, teaching assistants and traffic wardens.

Brian Strutton, national officer of the GMB said: “Last year’s local government pay negotiations were a shambles and we narrowly avoided industrial action. This year we expect a decent offer that will reflect the true cost of living with bottom loading to further support low paid council workers, otherwise we can predict serious discontent.’

(c) 2008 Evening Chronicle – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.