Striking council staff say they are 'undervalued'

4 hours ago

Joao SantosLocal Democracy reporter

News image — Pickets gathered outside Endeavour House in Ipswich

Joao Santos A line of people, most wearing hi-vis jackets. They are holding flags and signs. They are in front of a glass building. — Pickets gathered outside Endeavour House in Ipswich

Workers at two councils who are protesting over pay and conditions say they are being "undervalued".

Strike action began this week for craft workers who are members of the Unite union, most of whom carry out housing maintenance for Babergh and Mid Suffolk district councils. Further strikes are planned on 23 and 24 June.

Mark Jaina, a regional officer for Unite, based in Ipswich, said: "Pay has not kept up with the cost of living and enough is enough."

A spokesperson for the two councils said: "This dispute largely centres on pay increases for Red Book workers which are negotiated nationally, rather than being decided by our councils."

Joao Santos A man wearing a hi-vis jacket over a white top. He is looking at the camera in front of a glass building. — Mark Jaina said pay had fallen behind the cost of living

Red Book workers are skilled craftworkers and trade staff, such as plumbers, carpenters, electricians and heating engineers, employed by local authorities and councils

The pay award is not negotiated by local councils but by the National Employers Organisation for Local Government Services.

Workers had "borne the brunt" of the consequences of government priorities, Jaina told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"Although things have changed recently and we are seeing some pay rises, it's not enough to keep up with inflation and the cost of living," he said.

Joao Santos A man looking at the camera wearing a bright red jacket over a white top. A glass building is in the background. — Plumber Stuart Beard said pay rises had not kept up with costs

The spokesperson for the councils said: "This action only affects around 6% of our workforce, based primarily within our housing repairs teams, but to avoid any risk of disruption for our tenants we have rescheduled all repair work that was due to take place in council properties during the days of planned action.

"All tenants with work scheduled for those days have been contacted and alternative dates arranged directly with them.

"We also have cover in place to ensure emergency repairs can still be carried out."