00:00UNITE, the union representing workers at Durham County Council, has confirmed that members
00:05will vote on whether to proceed with strike action in response to a 3.2% pay offer, which
00:10has been rejected. The union has criticised the local government association for its handling
00:15of negotiations, describing the approach as unacceptable.
00:19The local government association, a body which represents over 300 councils, urged UNITE
00:25to follow the example of the GMB union which accepted the pay offer, warning that delays
00:30could impact craft workers who are awaiting their pay award.
00:35Approximately 30 staff in housing maintenance and related roles are affected by this situation.
00:40UNITE has pledged full support for its members. Durham County Council has acknowledged that
00:45the ballot is happening across seven councils, noting potential disruption to key services.
00:52The ballot is expected to close on March 27th, after which the council will assess the operational
00:58impact. Both sides have maintained formal public statements. Union leaders emphasise the skills
01:05and contributions of workers involved, while the LGA has stressed the importance to staff
01:10of accepting negotiated offers. The dispute remains under review and no industrial action has yet begun.
01:17All developments are being tracked by local news services and council communications so that
01:22residents can be informed of any potential service changes. The outcome might influence future
01:26negotiations across other authorities and sectors.
01:29stakeholders
01:29detectives.
Comments