Strikes by Croydon grounds maintenance workers have been postponed after the council tabled a new offer on pay and terms and conditions.
Unite, the UK’s leading union, said strikes scheduled for 25, 26 and 27 April have been postponed to allow negotiations to continue.
The dispute is over the 2021 pay offer for local authority workers of just 1.75 per cent.
However, the dispute is also complicated by the fact the grounds maintenance services in Croydon were insourced back to the council from a private contractor three years ago. Despite this, the workers’ contracts have not yet been brought into line with council standards.
As well as pay related matters, the offer includes the harmonisation of terms and conditions with other council workers.
Once negotiations are complete, the finalised offer will be put to the more than 20 grounds workers in a vote.
Unite regional officer Clare Keogh said: “Following talks with Croydon council, an improved offer has been put forward.
“Strikes have now been postponed to allow the offer to be finalised.”
