Kirklees Council staff vote to strike over pay

Feb 10 2010 By Barry Gibson

Kirklees Unison branch secretary Paul Holmes said: "The council is trying to run roughshod over our members.

"When Single Status was brought in last June it was underpinned by guarantees on earnings and the right to appeal to councillors if anyone felt they had been harshly treated.

"Both these protections have been unilaterally removed by the council. Our members feel it is open season on them.

"Enough is enough. Kirklees Council should stand with us to defend jobs, public services and pensions."

Around 500 Unison members met at Cathedral House on St Thomas Road last Wednesday. Only one person voted against striking, with one other person abstaining.

If negotiations with Kirklees fail, Unison will then hold a second ballot – as required by law – before any strike can go ahead.

Yesterday the council’s chief executive Rob Vincent said: "I recognise the level of uncertainty and anxiety that council employees and others in the area are feeling and which is likely to continue through this difficult period.

"Over the last two years the council has worked closely with all the trade unions to address Single Status and this work will continue."