Wigan council mechanics, who were told they had to work late on Fridays despite already accepting rota changes that will leave some £400 a month worse off, have cancelled a strike ballot after the council backed down, Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, said today (Friday 20 December).

The mechanics, who repair and maintain nearly 300 Wigan council municipal vehicles, have agreed to change from a four day shift pattern to five in order to comply with the council’s overtime cost saving measures.

Wigan council have now backed down from their refusal to allow the mechanics to leave at 16.30 on a Friday, rather than the usual time of 17.30. 

Unite regional officer Tanya Sweeney said: “Leaving an hour early on a Friday was the one request our members had after accepting changes to their rota to reduce overtime time and help save the council much needed funds. 

“Our members have been eminently reasonable in complying with the council’s cost saving measures, with some accepting a considerable reduction in their pay packets.

“We are pleased that Wigan council brought an end to this dispute before industrial actions occurred and that relations can now return to normal.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Wigan council mechanics ballot for strike after 'one compromise too many' on pay and shifts

For more information please contact Unite communications officer Ryan Fletcher on 07849 090215.

Email: [email protected] 

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Unite is Britain and Ireland’s largest union with members working across all sectors of the economy. The general secretary is Len McCluskey.