There is set to be disruption to maintenance and repair services run by Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) later this month as approximately 40 workers will walk out.

The dispute is around terms and conditions. These workers were previously employed by contractor Norse to work for the council but were brought back in-house two years ago on a TUPE transfer.

However, while council employees are covered by the National Joint Council (NJC) Green Book agreements, GYBC has not yet put these maintenance workers under this agreement and is still failing to respect statutory TUPE regulations, including not allowing them to have their continuous length of service protected.

Bringing them into line with Green Book standards is a statutory requirement and a standard 37-hour working week and baseline annual leave entitlements are nationally protected. However, GYBC is delaying these rights by hiding behind a local “council-wide” review of terms and conditions, despite the fact it is legally-bound to place these Unite members under the Green Book agreement.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our members provide an essential service to Great Yarmouth and have been treated with contempt by their employer, who is refusing to give them the terms and conditions they are legally entitled to.

"Unite will not allow the council to continue its stalling tactics. Our members have Unite’s full support during this dispute.”

The affected workers are calling for the following: full harmonisation to a standard 37-hour working week with no reduction in salary, backdated to the pay anniversary date in line with the Green Book, as well as immediate TUPE compliance with holiday entitlement and fully recognising all continuous service length from Norse.

They are also seeking a clear, accelerated and jointly agreed timeline to complete the stalled process, with all financial adjustments backdated.

Strikes will take place on 19 and 20 October. During this time, there will be delays to repairs and maintenance of Great Yarmouth Borough Council properties.

Unite regional officer Keith Henderson: "Unite’s members just want the terms and conditions they are entitled to. They have been patient but the council has continued to kick this into the long grass which is unacceptable.

"Industrial action can still be avoided, but it relies on the council addressing our demands and being reasonable and fair to our members."

ENDS

Notes to editors

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

natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org