A TOP union official has warned people to expect more disruption later this year.
Paul Holmes, the secretary of the Unison union’s Kirklees branch, believes there will be further industrial action by council workers.
Speaking ahead of this week’s two-day strike he said: “I suspect we will go out again in September, when the schools return from holiday.
“It will be more than two days next time.”
Last month Unison members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland voted to strike over a 2.45% pay offer.
Mr Holmes believes support for the strike is strong locally among Unison’s 8,250 members working for Kirklees and 750 in sports centres, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and the fire service.
He said: “I think support will be really solid. The stoppage will be a test of strength.”
Librarians, home carers, binmen and teaching assistants will be among the groups on strike.
Mr Holmes believes the public understands the reasons for the action.
He said: “It’s unfortunate that the lowest-paid people in Kirklees have to take action. The public, who are faced with the same rising food and fuel bills as our members, will know why we’re doing this.
“The vast majority of our members are Kirklees residents, so their bins won’t be emptied and their schools will be closed, just like anyone else.”
