Strike planned for 'fair pay rise'

8:59am Saturday 28th June 2008

Nearly 4,000 council workers in Haringey are planning to strike next month over demands for fairer pay.

Disgruntled employees, working in council services such as schools, benefits, planning, housing and leisure, are gearing up for the walk-out in mid-July.

Workers have asked for a pay increase of six per cent but have been offered a raise of 2.45 per cent.

The mass walk-out, part of a national protest, could cause serious disruption and bring a halt to some services.

However, those who work with vulnerable members of the community have agreed not to strike.

Sean Fox, branch secretary of Haringey UNISON, said: "We do not take strike action lightly but we have been forced to ensure there are no cuts in our real-term pay for more than four years - cuts which mean many of our members, who deliver services to the most vulnerable in society such as the elderly and children, can no longer afford to live.

"We urge councils to return to the negotiating table to avoid disruption and ensure that our members receive a fair pay rise."

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