Striking local government workers will protest at the Local Government Association national conference tomorrow (Wednesday 8 July) as part of a dispute around pay and conditions.

When: July 8, from 12.30 to 13.30

Where: Outside the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC)

Over a thousand craftworkers employed at Bristol, Stoke-on-Trent, Newham, Leeds and Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils are on strike today (8 July) and they also took industrial action on Monday (6 July) as well as for four days last month.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "For too long, local government craftworkers have suffered real terms attacks on their pay. It is no wonder they have decided to take action.

"The national employers and the LGA must stop sweeping their concerns under the carpet and start taking them seriously. Unite stands by our craftworker members in their fight for fair pay and conditions."

Workers involved in the dispute, are predominantly maintenance and repair staff working in housing maintenance. They have rejected the 2025 local government pay offer to Red Book workers (local government craftworkers) from the national employers of a 3.2 per cent increase, which was imposed without negotiations and does not take into account years of below-inflation pay rises.

They are also taking action over proposed changes to the national agreement, which would have a detrimental effects on their pay and conditions.

The strike action is of a targeted nature and more local authorities could join the dispute in the future.

Unite national officer for construction Jason Poulter said: "Our members will be protesting at the LGA conference to draw attention to the appalling situation they have found themselves in.

"Craftworkers deserve better than paltry pay offers and changes to conditions that won't recognise their skills and abilities. The LGA and national employers must take this seriously and start negotiations to end this dispute."

The LGA national conference is the flagship event for local government in England and Wales and brings together leaders and policy makers.

Notes to editors

Press are invited to attend the demonstration

Unite has now launched an action calling on supporters to email prominent members of the LGA negotiation team to meet with Unite and its sister unions in order to resolve the dispute.

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org