Third union to conduct strike ballot of local government members

A third union has announced plans to hold a strike ballot of members who work in councils and schools.

The GMB revealed it would ballot members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland next month.

The move follows a consultative ballot that “overwhelmingly rejected” the 1% offer made by employers, the union said. Some 83% voted to move to an official ballot for industrial action.

The strike will be held on 10 July if members give the go-ahead.

Brian Strutton, GMB National Secretary for Public Services, said “GMB members in councils and schools have spoken loud and clear: they do not want another low pay offer and they are prepared to do something about it.

“Industrial action is not our member’s preference but faced with years pay freezes, low pay, cuts and job losses they are saying enough is enough.”

The GMB’s move follows similar announcements in April by Unison, the largest union in the sector with 600,000 members, and then Unite.