2,500 workers prepare for strike

6:00pm Friday 11th July 2008

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STRIKE action by thousands of local government workers over pay looks set to cause disruption across Wiltshire next week.

Employees with Unison will stage a two-day walkout on Wednesday and Thursday prompting local government officials in west and north Wiltshire to warn that services could be affected.

More than 250 workers at North Wiltshire District Council and West Wiltshire District Council could strike and 2,200 Wiltshire County Council workers could join them.

The action is part of a national strike by members of Unison, with 600,000 members holding out for a larger pay rise than the 2.45 per cent increase they have been offered.

Rosie MacGregor, Unison steward, said: "We're striking for an improved pay offer because what we've been offered is very, very minimal - 2.45 per cent doesn't even meet inflation so it equates to a pay cut.

"I would think the strike would affect most of the district council services, we wouldn't take industrial action if it wasn't going to affect some of the services."

Waste collection looks set to suffer in Chippenham, Corsham and Calne as a result of the action.

North Wiltshire District Council leader Dick Tonge said: "We're doing an assessment of people who are likely to be at work and then we'll take contingency action.

"The waste collection is the area most likely to be affected but we're still assessing that. We'll give good notice of any changes."

The council is asking customers to place their refuse and recycling out by 7am on Wednesday, the first day of the strike.

Leader of West Wiltshire District Council, Graham Payne, said: "Impact on services will occur but not a significant amount. I've been assured by the officers that the impact will be minimal.

"We're anticipating the general public will give us a little bit of leeway.

Normal service will be resumed after the strike action."

It is believed Unison members will picket the entrance of the district council offices in Bradley Road, Trowbridge.

The council is still discussing the matter with Unison to ensure services are affected as little as possible.

A Wiltshire County Council spokesperson said they were taking all reasonable steps to minimise disruption.