UNISON members working in the Leeds city council refuse department have won their 11 week dispute over the council’s plans to slash pay.
The workers, who stayed solid during 11 weeks on strike, have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new deal securing their wages. They will return to work on Wednesday (25 November).
The joint action by UNISON and the GMB was forced by Leeds council’s threat to slash members’ wages and privatise the service.
Under the guise of implementing equal pay legislation the Tory/Lib Dem council planned to cut average salaries by up to a third, from £18,000 to £13,000.
UNISON Regional Organiser, Tony Pearson, said:
“This is a victory for UNISON and GMB members who stood shoulder to shoulder for 11 long weeks. It has sent a message to other councils that the unions will not tolerate attempts to cut pay of hard-working staff.
“UNISON thanks the people of Leeds for their unwavering support during this difficult time. They understood just how unjust were the council’s actions.”
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