FITNESS instructors who have not had a pay rise in ten years have said they feel “completely ignored” and like they “don’t exist” after deciding to go on strike.

Pilates, yoga and aerobics trainers who work at Colchester Council-run facilities such as Leisure World, in Cowdray Avenue, will down tools on February 28 for seven days.

The instructors, who are members of the UNISON, have voted to take action in response to an ongoing row over pay with the authority.

According to union bosses, rates for yoga and Pilates sessions have remained fixed at £25 since 2015, while aerobics instructors are said to be on £22.50 per class.

Gazette: Disruption - Fitness classes will be put on hold from February 28 until strike action ends a week laterDisruption - Fitness classes will be put on hold from February 28 until strike action ends a week later (Image: Pixabay)Gazette: Fitness - Leisure World, in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester Fitness - Leisure World, in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)
After previously reviewing the figures, Colchester Council increased payment to £2.50 extra per session - nearly £5 less than instructors at Tendring Council receive.

Melinda Harrison, who has been an aerobics instructor in Colchester for nine years, said: “Every other employee has had a pay rise, but we’ve been completely ignored.

“It’s like we don’t exist. We don’t get reviewed. It’s like the council has forgotten us.

“Ten years is a long time to go without a pay rise and the cost of living has shot up. It’s completely unfair to leave us out when everyone else has had a wage increase."

Colchester Council boss Pam Donnelly said she is disappointed by the instructors’ decision to strike but said they are “continuing to engage with them”.

Gazette: Disappointed - Colchester Council chief executive Pam Donnelly hopes both parties can find a resolution before the strike takes placeDisappointed - Colchester Council chief executive Pam Donnelly hopes both parties can find a resolution before the strike takes place (Image: Public)
“We hope to reach an agreement that ensures the vital wellbeing services they provide to residents are not disrupted in any way,” she added.

“The cost-of-living crisis, combined with the ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, rising energy costs, and the current economic climate, are placing unprecedented pressure on local authority budgets.

“Colchester Council is no exception.

“Should strike action take place, we will do everything we can to minimise the impact on the service we provide to residents."

UNISON Eastern area organiser Emma Aboubaker, however, has told Colchester Council to “get a jog on if they want to avoid strikes”.

She said: “Fitness instructors aren’t immune to the rising bills and prices. They’ve been left with no option but to strike. It’s now crunch time for the council.”