Over a thousand local authority craft workers are set to be balloted for strike action after receiving what the union Unite calls an ‘unsatisfactory pay offer’.
The dispute comes after the National Employers put forward a full and final offer of 3.2% for 2025.
Unite argues that local authority craftworkers, who are involved in housing maintenance work, could see their pay ‘unfairly’ cut.
Workers at Durham, Leeds, Stoke, Dudley, Southwark, Newham and Bristol councils will be balloted between 19 February and 26 March.
Unite national officer for construction Jason Poulter said: ‘Craft workers play an essential role in maintaining council homes and deserve to have these skills recognised with a fair pay offer.’
A spokesperson for the National Employers said: ‘We are disappointed that Unite’s decision to ballot its members in seven councils means all Craftworkers face even more delay in receiving their long-overdue 3.2% pay award. We again urge Unite to join with GMB in accepting the offer.’
