Update on proposed Unite strike action on 25-27 April and 3-5 May
There will be some disruption to Council services due to strike action by Unite on Monday 25 April - Wednesday 27 April and Tuesday 3 May - Thursday 5 May.
It is expected that some transport services for children with special educational needs will be disrupted, and the Council is advising parents to make alternative arrangements. Special needs schools will remain open.
Some non-urgent repairs to Council homes during strike days are also being rescheduled. Urgent repairs will continue to be carried out.
Rubbish and recycling collections are expected to operate as usual.
We know that the cost of living crisis is affecting our staff and understand their concerns, however pay for council staff is decided at a national level, and we’re not able to make local pay deals.
National negotiations concluded in February, and staff covered by the National Joint Council agreement have already received the increase in salary agreed with unions, and back pay for the last financial year.
We are concerned about the approach being taken by Unite and urge them to reconsider their proposed action. This strike action will affect the vital frontline services that residents, including those who are vulnerable, rely on the most.
We are expecting some disruption to our transport service for children with special educational needs. This is regrettable, however we will continue to work with our valued SEND transport team to resolve this. We have written to parents and carers directly affected by this.
We have also rescheduled some non-urgent council housing repairs during strike days. Emergency repairs will continue to be carried out. We expect other services, including rubbish and recycling collections, to operate as usual.