Council workers walk out in Chester

Workers at Cheshire West and Chester Council are striking today and tomorrow in protest at changes to their pay and allowances.

The unions said they're not happy at having to work weekends and Bank Holidays for no extra pay and equivalent of a £2000 pay cut for some.

Maria Moss from Unison said:

"Using agency workers and others who were not familiar with clients needs, and paying non-striking staff double-pay has really rubbed salt in the wound for Unison members who are already very angry."

The council released a statement saying:

" The action will disrupt a small number of Council services. Nine libraries and two centres providing short breaks for disabled children will be closed. Ellesmere Port Market will close on Sunday only. The information kiosks will be closed at Chester Bus Station (Saturday and Sunday) and Ellesmere Port Bus Station (Saturday only). No staff will be on duty at the Council’s managed parks and countryside sites. The authority has made arrangements to ensure provision is not disrupted in the small number of other services affected by industrial action."

This is the third round of strikes this year alone. New talks are due at the end of the month.