07 June 2002
Unison, the T&G and the GMB announced the date shortly before a four-week postal ballot of members for industrial action was due to get under way on June 10. All three say they are confident they will secure overwhelming backing from the rank and file.
The naming of a firm date for action has put pressure on the Employers' Organisation to improve its 3% offer. The unions are demanding a 6% or £1,750 rise, whichever is the greater, for the 1.4 million local government staff.
Unison national secretary for local government Heather Wakefield called on the EO to make a 'realistic offer' and prove that authorities were serious about tackling low pay.
'Every local authority in the country is facing recruitment and retention difficulties,' she said. 'How long before the employers wake up and see that the solution is a better pay deal?'
T&G national organiser Jack Dromey echoed Wakefield's demand. 'Public servants have had enough. They care, but are not cared for by their employers,' he said.
But EO executive director Charles Nolda said strike action would be 'futile' and reiterated the authorities' position that their current offer will not be improved. 'Councils cannot afford more. Going on strike will not reopen negotiations or find extra money,' he said. 'It would just prolong the situation for many months.'
PFjun2002
