Local government and other public sector workers could join forces to strike over continuing pay disputes. Delegates at Unison's conference voted unanimously for a motion demanding the Government ditch its 2% public sector pay freeze. Workers from the NHS who have also grown angry over pay offers, could stand alongside local government workers to strike this autumn. Unison general secretary, Dave Prentis, said the Government had failed to treat workers with respect, and it was now important to co-ordinate the ‘fight back'. ‘This year, the Government and employers have miscalculated. They have rewarded the delivery of first-class services with a kick in the teeth,' he said. ‘We won't have it. We will work with our sister unions. We are prepared to fight. We are prepared to strike. We will co-ordinate action locally and nationally and we will win.' Delegates were urged to return to their branches and talk to other members ‘to prepare for a ballot on strike action'. ‘This provides us with an opportunity to unite on a scale that we have not seen for years. Grab that opportunity,' a spokesman said.
