COUNCIL workers in Gravesham are going on strike today (Wednesday) in protest against low pay.

The rally outside Gravesend Civic Centre, in Windmill Street, is being organised by the Gravesham branch of Unison and is one of hundreds of strikes taking place up and down the country.

Unions are striking because the Local Government Employers' Organisation has rejected their requests for a six per cent pay increase.

The employers have offered them a three per cent pay increase instead.

Assistant branch secretary for Unison at Gravesham Council Andy Padgham said: "We are holding a rally at 8.45am on Wednesday to demonstrate that we are unhappy about the three per cent pay increase offered to us.

"We expect the rally to last about two hours."

Chairman of the employers' negotiating team at the Local Government Employers' Organisation Brian Baldwin said: "Strike action will achieve nothing. Authorities do not have more money in their budget than the three per cent on offer. Nothing in the ballot changes that.

"The final offer of three per cent remains on the table anytime the unions want to start talking again."

A Gravesham Council spokesman said: "We anticipate minimal disruption to our services and we will do our best to protect essential services."

July 16, 2002 16:00