Sponsored by
No end in sight as strikers stand firm
Bedford workers continue their protests
Striking council staff are still manning the picket line after two months of protesting with no end in sight.
DSD Contracting's craft workers – including plumbers, electricians, plasterers – have been on strike since January 22 over working conditions and pay.
Although the majority of issues have been resolved, employees and council chiefs have still not come to an agreement on working hours.
Richard Gates of union Unite, which organised the stoppage, said: "We have made a lot of progress and resolved 95 per cent of the issues to the delight of our members.
"We did not resolve the issue of finishing times. We put two proposals forward, but both were refused.
"I now do not know where we go with this, I'm at a loss as to how we bring this dispute to an end."
Mediators at the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) may now be called in to resolve the dispute.
Around 15 craft workers are continuing to strike every Monday and Friday, but Mr Gates said he thought DSD were filling the positions by employing outside contractors on those days.
Mr Gates added: "We have given notice of strikes up to March 12 and will then have to give new notice, but I was hoping to resolve this.
"I have asked for ACAS to get involved to mediate between the two sides."
The strike began when Bedford Borough Council announced plans to introduce compulsory Saturday working hours and change the way the craft employees are paid, which they claim would mean a pay cut for many.
Mr Gates said Unite members have voted unanimously to continue their protests after March 12.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bedford
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
