PUBLIC sector workers were sent a warning shot last night that they will have to take their share of the pain from the recession.

FEMALE workers at the city council who receive equal pay offers have been warned that outstanding council tax payments will be deducted from their lump sum. The council is offering around £14.5 million to settle equal pay cases brought by 3000 women in jobs such as cleaning, caring and catering.

Hundreds of council workers embroiled in a dispute with their employers over a proposed new pay system and conditions are going on strike. The three-day action by 1,500 employees at Argyll and Bute Council is expected to bring disruption to transport systems and public services. Unions representing the workers said talks with the local authority had broken down.

Council leaders are set to discuss the pay of thousands of workers, amid a tough time for public spending levels.

HAMPSHIRE County Council workers have voted overwhelmingly to reject a new equal pay deal. In a ballot held by Unison, the main public sector union, 79 per cent of members rejected the new grades and salaries proposed by the council.

A COUNCIL have been slated for threatening to sack workers who refuse to sign new contracts. SNP-controlled West Lothian Council sent letters to more than 5000 people warning they face "termination of employment" if they do not sign new contracts to comply with rules on equal pay for men and women.

Leeds City Council is to sack 1,100 workers and tell them they can have their jobs back only if they accept pay cuts. Wages will be protected from the cuts for three years but the workers have been told they must accept them or stay sacked. Letters were delivered on Wednesday warning of dismissal from October 31 and re-engagement on November 1 under new contracts.

Here's the Arts Council statement, courtesy of The Stirrer website: The National Council of Arts Council England met yesterday (27 January 2009) to consider a request for additional funding for the Public Gallery Ltd and The Public building. After lengthy...

Council workers get interim pay rise (17/10/08) Local government workers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are set to get an interim pay rise to tide them over Christmas.UNISON today confirmed that the employers have agreed to the union's request for a 2.45% pay rise for staff, with an extra...

Falkirk council workers will strike tomorrow against huge pay cuts. Union officials have warned that anger is growing across Scotland as more workers are told their wages are to be cut with no warning