Workers walk out

Nearly 150 workers employed by Labour-run Greenwich council walked off the job in June after their employer announced a plan that would see them lose nearly a third (30%) of their wages.

It is the second action taken by Unite members in the repairs and investment service department at the London council. There were previous strikes in May as well as a demonstration outside Woolwich Town Hall.

The council says the wage cuts, which will take place gradually over four years, are a result of a pay benchmarking exercise. However, the union describes the move as a “brutal attack on living standards”, which will see some workers lose nearly £17,000 from their salary by the fourth year.

Unite regional officer Mary Summers said “Unite has made clear it will not enter into bargaining to cut pay. This is disgraceful behaviour from a Labour council who should be ashamed of itself."