‘Intransigent management’

About 120 housing repair workers at Greenwich council have overwhelmingly voted to strike as they are disgusted over the way they are being treated, Unite said today (October 2).

Unite said its members had voted by 95 per cent for strike action over a plan to introduce a new pay structure which will cut pay by 20 per cent.

The dates for strike action by the carpenters, electricians and plumbers, based at the Birchmere depot, Eastern Way, London SE28 8BF, will be announced soon.

“It is apparent that the Royal Borough of Greenwich council is currently beleaguered by a very poor employment relations’ culture,” said Unite regional officer Onay Kasab.

“This is now coming home to roost after our members voted overwhelmingly to strike – they are disgusted by the way they have been treated by this local authority.

“They are faced with proposals to introduce a new pay structure which will cut pay by 20 per cent,” he added.

“Unite has endeavoured over a long period to reach a fair settlement to this dispute, but, so far, we have been met with an intransigent management.

“We will be announcing strike dates soon, but Unite’s door remains open for a constructive dialogue with the council before industrial action kicks in.”