9:55am Friday 16th May 2008
By Nafeesa Shan
COUNCIL workers have called off a planned strike for Monday - but are planning another day of action with a mass rally through Blackburn town centre on Friday.
And union officials are calling on all Blackburn with Darwen residents who support the action to join the demonstration.
The route of the rally is yet to be confirmed, but it will end in front of Blackburn Town Hall.
Hundreds of council workers were on strike yesterday, and thousands of bins were left unemptied for the third time in two weeks.
Unison union members from the council joined the picket line during a lunchtime walkout.
Union members were planning to strike on Monday, but have suspended action in favour of a strike and mass rally on Friday. An extended number of council binmen, some town hall workers, street cleansing and highways workers and gardeners are expected to take part in the rally.
The majority of residents affected by the strike yesterday said, despite the inconvenience, they supported the stand the workers are making over pay cuts.
Strike action was taken after the council agreed a new wage scale when the government told each council across the country to implement a job evaluation scheme.
Each council is in charge of drawing up its own structure, by interviewing staff and negotiating with unions.
Staff have been given a 90-day deadline to accept their new contract, or face the sack.
Tony Hayes, regional officer for Unite union, said: "We held a mass meeting a few days ago and people are still very angry. If the council don't sit down and engage we are going to extend the strike action.
"Anyone who supports them should come along and join the rally to show the councillors and the chief executive that people are behind us in the hope they change their minds."
Ros Shepherd, secretary of the Unite union, added: "Between 300 and 400 workers will be striking and holding a rally on Friday.
"They will include some town hall workers, street cleansers, highways people and rubbish bin collectors. "
Graham Burgess, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "I am pleased that the union has now decided to suspend its strike on Monday following discussions with the council this week.
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused for residents.
"We are confident that the union and management can work together to avoid a strike next Friday."
Sharon Stout, 42, of Preston Old Road, Blackburn, said: "My husband took our rubbish to the skip because it is full every week."
Joyce Duckworth, 78, of Preston Old Road, Blackburn, said: "Our bin is full to the top and needs emptying. We will have to take it to the tip ourselves.
"But I understand why the workers are striking. It is difficult for young people today because everything is expensive."
Florence Browne, 70, of Feniscliffe Drive, Blackburn said: "I put my bin out, but I knew it wouldn't be emptied.
"The council should have sorted this out before it got this far, especially in this weather."
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