Council workers to vote for strike action?

THOUSANDS of North Somerset Council employees could take strike action as a result of a pay dispute.

More than 2,500 people who work in Weston Town Hall and for council services across the district such as care, youth and social workers, could walk out after being offered a pay increase less than the rate of inflation.

UNISON, the trade union for public sector workers, is now balloting members in North Somerset to see if they want to take industrial action.

In April, the union rejected a 2.5 per cent pay increase on behalf of its members because it said in real terms it would amount to a pay cut. The union is also asking council workers nationwide whether they would like to take part in any action.

Employees’ pay is determined by the National Joint Council, which comprises representatives from councils and trades unions.

A spokesman said: “Councils rely on their staff to provide improved services and increased efficiency year on year but that doesn’t happen without a well paid and motivated workforce.”

A local authority spokesman said the council would wait until after the ballot before making any comment.