Unison members in Chorley strike over pay

11:39am Wednesday 16th July 2008

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Strike action by Unison workers at Chorley council has caused little disruption, according to council chiefs, but members claim otherwise. .

Of the 160 Unison members who work for the council, bosses said only about 70 people have opted to join the two-day industrial action.

Picket lines congregated outside council buildings in Union Street, Bangal Street and Water Street as Unison members strike over pay.

Workers on the picket line said they have been successful in stopping council vans leaving the council's Bengal depot in Chorley, but Unison members claim otherwise.

But a council spokesman said as many of its services are managed by outside agencies the strike only includes street cleansing and grounds maintenance staff.

Donna Hall, Chief Executive of Chorley Council, said: "This is a national issue around levels of pay. We have a minority portion of people who are members of UNISON and are expecting a small number of staff to take part in the strike planned for today and Thursday.

“We're not expecting any major disruption and would hope to be able to continue to provide an excellent level of service for our customers."

The strike action has forced the closure of a Chorley school - click the related link right for details