The GMB trade union has said it is ‘inevitable’ that local government workers will take industrial action.
A statement by the union released today said it had ‘no choice but to begin preparations for consulting our members on industrial action’.
The GMB, together with fellow unions Unison and Unite, said it ‘deplored’ the employers’ statement that a 1% pay offer would not be negotiable.
GMB national secretary for public services, Brian Strutton, said: ‘The unanimous view of the full local government trade union side is very clear.
‘The idea that 1.5m council workers should have to sacrifice part of a paltry 1% pay pot to meet their employers’ statutory obligation to pay the national minimum wage is unacceptable.
‘GMB and the other unions are further incensed that the employers say the pay pot is not negotiable.’
Earlier this month, council staff took part in an official day of protest over pay and funding.
