Strike action is suspended

Archived press release

Date Published: 12/04/06

A threatened strike that may have affected the delivery of AVDC services on 25 April has been suspended by union chiefs. The strike, part of a national day of action against the government’s plans for local government pensions, was suspende...

A threatened strike that may have affected the delivery of AVDC services on 25 April has been suspended by union chiefs.

The strike, part of a national day of action against the government’s plans for local government pensions, was suspended after unions representing local authority workers agreed a framework for negotiations with employers.

As a result of this decision, all council services, including refuse collection and benefits, will now operate as normal on 25 April.

Following the announcement that the strike had been suspended, Leader of the Council, Councillor John Cartwright, said: “I am very pleased that the unions have suspended their planned strike action. Refuse and recycling services may have been affected by a one-day strike but we can now assure residents that their waste will be collected as normal and, indeed, for all our services, it will be business as usual.”

More than one million council workers across the country walked out last month in a one-day strike against plans to scrap the Rule of 85, which allows staff whose age and time in the job total 85 to retire at 60 with an unreduced pension. More strikes had been due to take place on 25 April.

The decision to recommend suspension of the industrial action follows informal discussions between the trade unions and Local Government Employers. The individual unions will now hold the necessary internal consultations.