COUNCIL workers in Enfield are set to go on strike again next week as the row over pay escalates.

The third strike in three months, taking place next Wednesday, is due to be the biggest yet, being taken across the UK jointly by three workers' unions Unison, the GMB and the TGWU.

Nationally, the industrial action is in pursuit of a pay claim of six per cent or £1,750, whichever is greater, and in London, it is also taking place to campaign for a London-wide level of £4,000 in London weighting.

The strike follows a report published last month by the Greater London Assembly (GLA) which found that London weighting for public sector workers should rise by a significant amount.

Unison's head of local government in London, Julia Coleman, said the report was a total vindication of Unison's claim for a rise.

Paul Bishop, Unison branch secretary for Enfield, added: "I am pleased with the fact the GLA has recognised that public sector workers in London are being underpaid.

"Now perhaps the London employers will see the justice of our case and talk sensibly about how to tackle the problem."

He added: "The way the employers have responded to date has left staff with no option but to take strike action and that is not something staff in Enfield do lightly."

Unison chiefs claim that council workers are being forced to leave London because they cannot afford the cost of living.

They also say that London councils, including Enfield, are having to spend large amounts of money to hire temporary or agency staff.

Mr Bishop said: "London councils are competing with each other to recruit the ever-shrinking pool of people prepared to work in London.

"Enfield is losing experienced and qualified staff and it's everybody's services that are suffering."

July 10, 2002 17:00