Essex could be heading for a spring of strike action affecting services from postal deliveries to refuse collection

Two of the country's biggest unions, the General Municipal and Boiler Workers (GMB) and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) are currently locked in talks aimed at getting their members substantial pay rises.

Should these not be forthcoming, then both unions have threatened strike action.

The CWU, which is responsible for postal workers, have said that they could announce strike action this Wednesday.

By law, they must leave industrial action a further week meaning strike action covering Essex could start on March 13.

Essex members of the CWU have voted three to one in favour of strike action if their proposals are dismissed.

John Hunt, branch secretary of Essex Amalgamated Branch of the CWU, said: "The Royal Mail (now named Consignia) has been lagging behind in the pay stakes for so long it is ridiculous."

Under new Government legislation, competitors against Consignia are, from April, being allowed to process more mail. This is aimed at giving the public more choice and reducing the chance of a monopoly.

CWU members have been offered a 2.1 per cent pay increase to compensate, but they are still pushing for five per cent.

Today, two Consignia directors decided not to accept pay rises of ten per cent after allegations it would have been insensitive while 145,000 postal workers were still negotiating.

The GMB has slammed the pay increase offer as "derisory", claiming they should see similar increases to other local authority bodies such as the police force and fire brigade.

The GMB is responsible for all local authority workers such as refuse collectors, teaching assistants and carers.

Dave Powell, organiser of Essex area, said: "If a care assistant was to be married to a care worker living in the Colchester area we approximate that they would be £33,000 short of being able to afford a standard house."

In response to the comments made by the CWU, a Consignia spokesperson said: "We are hopeful of getting a resolution. We know there is not much time but anything can happen as long as both sides keep on talking.

Published Monday, March 4, 2002