Thurrock Council caretakers vote for strike action

Dozens of caretakers working for Thurrock Council have voted to take strike action, as a row over jobs and pay escalates.

GMB Union, which represents the workers affected, held a ballot that saw vote 96 per cent vote to strike, on a turnout of 74 per cent.

The caretakers, who clean and maintain properties across the council's housing estate, staged a protest earlier in the year after learning their roles would be downgraded and their salaries reduced by £2,000 a year on average.

The workers initially agreed to a trial period but are now asking for the downgrading plans to be scrapped entirely.

They claim that during the trial period they have been asked to perform tasks that should be outside their current remit and that their downgraded roles would not deliver the services residents need.

The first strike date is expected to be on Tuesday 29 September.

Gavin Davies, GMB Senior Organiser, said:

"Our members are dedicated to providing a first-class service for residents, so going on strike was not a decision they have taken lightly.

"They feel it is essential to challenge this downgrade, which will impact their salaries and the service for local residents.

"It's no secret that the council is in a mess financially, but that is not the fault of our members and neither they nor residents should not be the ones paying for the council's failings.

"We are urging Thurrock Council to scrap these downgrading plans and ensure they are off the table for good."