Peterborough Limited Employees Threaten Industrial Action Over Pay Dispute

Employees of a council-owned entity are contemplating industrial action due to a pay disagreement with their employer, as reported by the GMB trade union. Specifically, personnel at Peterborough Limited—a company entirely owned by Peterborough City Council—are threatening this action following their rejection of a pay offer described as a “turkey.” These workers deliver services encompassing waste management, street cleaning, library operations, museum services, and the management of leisure centres. Peterborough City Council has been approached for a statement regarding the situation. The union, asserting that many of its members are contending with low wages, reported that 78% of them cast votes in support of industrial action. The GMB stated that the proposal from Peterborough Limited would provide a 2.25% increase beyond the amount needed to meet the National Living Wage. However, the union noted that employees directly engaged by the council were granted a more substantial pay award. Gordon White, GMB regional organiser, issued a statement: “The insulting pay offer from Peterborough Limited is a real turkey – worthy of Ebenezer Scrooge.”GMB members have rightly rejected it.”This time of year is particularly busy and many of these workers will be delivering vital services over Christmas.”They deserved to go into the festive period with a decent pay rise but were instead offered pennies more than the bare minimum.”If we do not receive a meaningful and serious offer, we will have no choice but to press on with member-led action.” On Monday, the financially strained local authority put forth proposals to temporarily close a city-centre lido and reduce library services as part of its budget management efforts. The authority indicates that its projected budget shortfall for 2025-26 has “increased significantly” from £3m to over £20m, attributing this to escalating demand and expenses. For updates on Peterborough news, connect via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.