Services brought to a halt as workers strike

8:20am Wednesday 16th July 2008

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COUNCIL services were being brought to a standstill today with a 48-hour strike by workers.

Members of the trade union UNISON, who work for South Gloucestershire Council, decided to take the two-day industrial action in a dispute over pay.

Workers are demanding a higher pay rise than the 2.45 per cent that has been offered.

It was expected that the 48-hour strike, which started today and is due to end tomorrow, would affect a variety of council services including schools, streetcare and day centres, as well as some libraries.

New Siblands School, Thornbury, has been closed, South Gloucestershire Council's Streetcare helpdesk has been closed and no Streetcare services have been carried out, reception at the council's office in Broad Lane, Yate, has been closed, Thornbury Library is shut today and all day centres in the authority have been closed.

South Gloucestershire Council said it could be facing up to 2,000 workers on strike, which are members of UNISON.

Information on service changes can be found by visiting www.southglos.gov.uk.