United Utilities workers are preparing to strike over pay and water concerns.
Over 1,100 GMB Union members at the water firm are set to down tools in dispute over pay and underinvestment in systems.
A total of 68 per cent voted in favour of the action in a recent industrial ballot carried out by the union.
Employees working on both clean and dirty water will be involved and dates for the strike – which is expected to affect leaks, maintenance and cleaning up sewage after spillages – will be announced in the coming days.
A United Utilities spokesman said: “That vote took place two weeks ago. Since then we have made an improved pay offer which ranges between 7.5 per cent to 8.6 per cent for our employees, along with an additional payment of £1,000.
“All four recognised unions, including GMB, are currently balloting their members on the new offer.
“We have positive relations with our trade unions and have awarded pay settlements year on year as part of constructive negotiations.
“If this latest pay offer is accepted, then the overall increase in base salaries, since 2020, would be between 16.6 per cent and 17.7 per cent, plus additional one-off lump sum payments of £1500.
“GMB has not notified us of strike action and all of our employees continue to work as normal, maintaining services for customers.”
Steve Whittle, GMB organiser, added: “There is real frustration from our members. They’ve seen their pay slashed in real terms for several years, while shareholders and directors trouser fortunes.
“They’ve seen their pay slashed in real terms for several years, while shareholders and directors trouser fortunes. Meanwhile the infrastructure is left to crumble through a lack of investment.
“Enough is enough – GMB members at United Utilities demand no more cuts and clean water now. Meanwhile the infrastructure is left to crumble through a lack of investment.”
