UNISON, GMB and UNITE lodge pay claim for council workers

Three local government unions, UNISON, GMB and UNITE, representing more than 1.6 million workers, have today lodged a claim for a pay boost of at least £250 for all council workers in 2011/12, as well as calling for conditions to be reviewed.

The unions said council staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland should not have their wages frozen for a second year running.

Heather Wakefield, UNISON head of local government, said:

"Councils can afford this small increase. They have billions in their reserve funds stashed away. Surely this is the rainy day they've been saving for?

“There is also enough money to keep services running - but many council workers are in constant fear of losing their jobs.

“At the same time they are working harder than ever to help the local communities they work in pick up the pieces after the recession.”