City's refuse workers to strike

The first walkout will be held on 23 April

Refuse workers employed by Leeds City Council have voted to strike in a row over wage cuts and equal pay.

Union officials said the first walk-out would take place on 23 April, with a second one planned for 1 May.

Members of the GMB Union, who work for the council's refuse and street cleaning team, voted 75% in favour of industrial action.

The council's deputy leader said he was "deeply disappointed" that the strike action was going ahead.

A total of 95.5% of union members also voted to work to rule - taking all lunch breaks and working exact hours of their contract.

Neil Derrick, GMB senior organiser, said the action was in protest at proposals by the council for a new pay and grading system.

Deputy council leader Richard Brett said if the authority met the GMB's requests over salaries it would cost an extra �45m per year.

He said that would equate to an annual council tax rise of 18%, or mean thousands of job losses.

He said: "Neither is an option.

"As a result, this walkout will serve no purpose other than to cause disruption to the people of Leeds."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version