UNIONS representing 1.3 million local government workers – GMB, UNISON and Unite – have agreed to escalate their pay dispute with a campaign running into the autumn.

The unions agreed their members will run a co-ordinated strike by their local government and school members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Tuesday, October 14.

The strike will be just a few days before the TUC-organised national demonstration on October 18 calling for ‘decent’ pay.

Local government workers’ pay has been frozen for three years. They have now been offered one per cent. They say their pay has reduced in value by 20 per cent since 2010 and this resulted in a one day strike on July 10.

No further talks have taken place since that date, despite the unions offering to go to the Government’s arbitration and conciliation service.

Brian Strutton, GMB National Secretary for Public Services, said: “Our members in GMB, UNISON and Unite expect us to maximise our joint effectiveness and that’s why we are announcing the next strike together.

“Our members deserve a fair pay deal... council leaders should reconsider.”