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04
Nov 2021
Last Updated: 03/11/2021
Harrogate council staff could strike over 'derisory' pay offer in New Year
Unison will ballot members at Harrogate Borough Council next month over whether to hold industrial action. If they vote to strike, action could be taken as early as February.
Strike action over a “derisory” pay offer for council staff could take place in Harrogate in the New Year.
Unison at Harrogate Borough Council is set to ballot members over whether or not to take industrial action after its members rejected a 1.75% pay increase last month.
Of a turnout of 62% of its members, 74% voted to refuse the pay offer.
The offer followed a national consultation from the Local Government Association over a pay increase.
A draft timetable will see members receive ballot papers from December 1 and close on January 14.
Read more:
- Unison Harrogate rejects ‘derisory’ council staff pay offer
- Union concerns over staffing shortages at Harrogate district leisure centres
- Government rejects £6m levelling up bid for Ripon and Masham
It means strike action could take place as early as February, if members vote for this option.
David Houlgate, secretary of the Harrogate branch of Unison, has described the pay offer as “inadequate” and “derisory”.
He said:
“This overwhelming majority makes clear the strength of feeling among local government workers about their pay, here in Harrogate but nationwide too.
“Council and school workers have been the unsung heroes of the covid pandemic, working tirelessly and often at risk to their own safety to serve their communities.
“Meanwhile, since 2010 the value of their pay has fallen by 25%. The 1.75% pay offer is completely inadequate and Unison members have made their feelings about it clear.”
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