WHO can blame council workers for wanting more money when they have seen Tony Blair's cabinet getting their snouts in the trough and the local politburo increasingly dipping their paws into the public purse.

Yet, is it right that council employees inconvenience the public by having a day off in a so-called strike?

I always thought a strike incurred a loss of wages for the period, but in this instance, many will make up the loss through the flexi-time system -- another idiosyncrasy that affects the town hall's performance by allowing employees to come and go as they please.

It means many are not available when the town hall is officially open to the public and are making up their hours behind closed doors at a time of their choosing.

I would say give them the money and, in return, they should give the service.

WALT MEADOWS, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.