Unison is balloting its 200,000 local government and school staff members across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including approximately 3,000 Dudley Council workers, after rejecting a 3.3 percent pay offer from local government employers. The ballot runs from July 9 to August 6, with Unison recommending a vote in favour of industrial action.
Union Demands Fair Pay Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis
Unison general secretary Andrea Egan stated: "Local government and school staff keep communities going. They support vulnerable families, care for older people, help children to thrive and deliver countless 'invisible' services millions rely upon. Staff deserve far more during the continued cost-of-living crisis. That's why UNISON is doing everything possible to secure a strong turnout in next month's ballot and to demand better pay."
Egan added: "Strikes are always a last resort. But workers must be prepared to use every option available if employers believe dedicated council and school staff are worth just 3.3 percent, after years of cuts."
Dudley Council's Workforce and Potential Impact
Dudley Council employs around 6,000 staff, of whom over 3,000 are Unison members. Approximately 2,343 of these council employees work in schools. The union warns that industrial action could disrupt schools, social care, children's services, waste collection, libraries, and housing services.
Unison highlighted that inflation is predicted to reach 3.5 percent by the end of 2026, and local government workers have already lost a quarter of their pay in real terms since 2010.
Council Response
Balvinder Heran, chief executive of Dudley Council, said: "Dudley Council is not aware of any planned strike action and we have not been contacted by Unison following the local government pay offer. We are in positive and ongoing conversations with all our employees and are committed to ensuring services continue to be delivered for our residents."
Union's Call for Action
Andrea Egan concluded: "Staff are fed up of being expected to do more for less in their pay packets. They deserve fair wages and properly funded services that restore the communities they serve."
