News

• Council workers agree pay deal

Unions are planning further strike action next week to campaign for a flat rate in London weighting.

Members of Unison, GMB and TGWU are to stage a one-day strike in London on 1 October. They want to see a flat rate of £4,000 introduced for council workers in London, as currently the weighting varies between £1,400 and £2,600.

As many as 100,000 local government workers could strike across the London boroughs. All council services are likely to be affected, but emergency social care services will be covered.

The unions are also threatening further selective action, if employers fail to meet their demands.

Ann John, chairperson of the employers’ side of the Greater London Provincial Council, said it was disappointing that the unions propose to strike again. "The strikes in May, June and July did not find the missing millions needed to meet the unions' London weighting demand."

"London councils are committed to meeting the offer on national pay, but simply can’t afford any more," she added.