Industrial action looms as local government unions ballot members

All three major local government trade unions are threatening industrial action after rejecting the employers’ pay offer.

The offers covers England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Local Government Association said it included an increase of at least £1,925 from 1 April 2023, which equated to a 9.42% rise for the lowest paid grades. The increase would see the national pay bill rise £1.09bn, up 6.42%.

Unison has started balloting members on whether to strike over pay. It had sought an increase of 2% above inflation, citing a 25% fall since 2010 in the value of local government pay.

General secretary Christina McAnea said: “Too often council and school support staff are taken for granted. Without them, the services on which whole communities rely won’t exist.

“Employers can do far better. But ministers also need to step up to make sure local government is given the funding it needs, so staff get a decent wage and services are protected."

The GMB union has already voted to reject the pay offer and said it would move to industrial action ballots unless negotiations were reopened. 

National officer Sharon Wilde said: “We now call on the Local Government Association to return to the table and make an improved offer that recognises the true value of our members working in our schools and across our councils.” 

Unite members have also rejected the offer and general secretary Sharon Graham said the union would “now swiftly move to a full industrial action ballot for its local authority members”.

Sian Goding, chair of the National Employers for local government services said: “The national employers are acutely aware of the additional pressure this year’s offer will place on already hard-pressed council finances, as it would need to be paid for from existing budgets.

“However, they believe their offer is fair to employees, given the wider economic backdrop.”

Mark Smulian