Council workers in Peterborough could strike in the New Year

It's in a row over pay

Author: Alan Jones, PA Industrial Correspondent Published 19th Dec 2024

Council workers, including school transport, leisure and library staff, could strike in the new year in a dispute over pay, a union is warning.

The GMB said that without a better deal, strike action by outsourced workers in Peterborough looks likely.

The union said there was confusion around Peterborough Limited's status as a separate entity from the council.

Gordon White, GMB regional organiser, said:

"We are negotiating hard for our members to have a wonderful life, but it's looking more like the nightmare before Christmas.

"If they don't deliver a better deal, we will have no choice but to pursue strike action in the new year."

A council statement said: "Peterborough Limited highly value its staff and the work they do to deliver services in the city and we remain committed to continuing talks with the unions.

"Our pay offer of 3.67% is above inflation and will see our lowest paid workers having a 49.3% pay rise since the company started operation in 2019.

"We have committed all the funding we have in our pay rise budget into the offer. Our funding is predominately driven from Peterborough City Council, who like all local authorities continue to see unprecedented pressure on its resources and finances, as such we are committed to support Peterborough City Council through delivering a balanced budget."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.