Ryan FowlerNearly 150 workers employed by Greenwich council have been on the picket line again this week after the local authority brought in plans that would see them lose nearly a third (30%) of their wages.
The workers, who are members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, are employed within the repairs and investment service department at the London council.
The council says it has done a pay benchmarking exercise and will reduce the workers’ wages. The cuts, which would be enacted in stages over four years, will see some workers lose nearly £17,000 from their salary by the fourth year.
Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Greenwich council’s plans are a brutal and unjustified attack on our members’ living standards. Many will be left unable to fulfil their financial obligations such as paying their mortgages and rent. Others will be forced into debt. How on earth can a Labour-run council embark on such a scheme. They need to think again.”
Unite regional officer Mary Summers added: “That the council are trying to slash our members’ wages is unconscionable and Unite simply won’t stand for it. We are also appalled at the thinly-veiled threats of legal action against our members who are trying to protect their livelihoods.
“Unite has made clear it will not enter into bargaining to cut pay. The council need to confirm that this will not be imposed so the dispute can be resolved. This is disgraceful behaviour from a Labour council who should be ashamed of itself. Unite will be backing our members every step of the way in this dispute.”
