Council staff vote in favour of strike action

Staff at Rochdale Council have voted to strike over plans to change their terms and conditions.

The changes include making staff take six unpaid days leave every year, slashing sick pay, freezing increments, cutting car allowance/ mileage rates and reducing pay protection arrangements.

Members of Unison have voted in favour of industrial action.

Unison represents around half of the council’s non-school staff.

Rochdale Online understands that 85 per cent of people voted in favour of industrial action short of a strike and 67 per cent backed a strike.

Chief Executive of Rochdale Council, Roger Ellis, said: “The council is holding regular meetings with Unison relating to the dispute lodged in December.

“There is currently no indication as to any industrial action which may take place and both parties are committed to continuing discussions on a full and frank basis, without preconditions or guarantees.”

Helen Harrison, UNISON Rochdale Local Govt Branch Secretary, said:“UNISON will be considering the implications of the result and consulting with members over next steps in the very near future.

"In the meantime UNISON is anxious to continue talking to the council to try to avert any disruption to council services. UNISON remains willing to meet with the council at any time as long as constructive negotiation can take place.”

“UNISON members do not take action lightly and the strength of the ballot result reflects how our members feel and shows a willingness to take industrial action if the council continues to attack our pay and conditions.”