Unite members at Wrexham Council begin two weeks of strike action
Unite members at Wrexham Council have started two weeks of industrial action.
Staff took to picket line outside Crown Buildings and at the starting line of the Tour of Britain this morning as part of their campaign for a fair pay deal.
It comes after members of the union overwhelmingly rejected the local authority employers’ pay offer of £1,925.
The deal has been described as “a poorer offer than last year”, despite the cost-of-living crisis having worsened
Unite has members across every department within Welsh Local Authorities. However strike action will have a major impact on refuse collections and recycling centres, in particular.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Welsh council workers are on the frontline providing vital services to communities across Wales. It is simply unacceptable that workers have been forced onto the breadline due to years of real terms pay cuts.”
“Unite never takes a backward step in supporting its members and is dedicated to enhancing their jobs, pay and conditions. Unite will be providing its local authority members with its complete support.”
Peter Hughes, Unite Wales Regional Secretary said; “The current pay offer to Welsh council workers is a slap in the face and would see pay levels further eroded.
“Our members provide essential services day in day out and deserve better.”
The union has also warned that further industrial action could take place during the autumn months if a better pay deal is not put forward.
A spokesperson for Wrexham Council said: “Today is the first day of strike action in Wrexham by the Unite trade union.
“We’ve reviewed resources and are pleased to confirm we’re prioritising black waste bin collections on our planned routes in local community areas e.g. Plas Madoc, Rhos, Johnstown and Penycae.
“Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that we’ll get to green bins or dry recycled waste, as we have insufficient resource.
“For grounds maintenance, we have our large tractors out cutting grass and operatives are working in the north area around Coedpoeth.
“For street cleaning in the town centre, our morning shift is currently out working. We have a shift-change at lunchtime and will review activities following this.
“Our highways gangs are all out today undertaking reactive work, including our gully wagons and mechanical sweepers who are working to their schedule.
“There are no implications for our Cemeteries and Crematorium, so these are operating as normal.”
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