A union representing Stoke-on-Trent council plumbers, joiners, decorators and electricians has warned industrial action may take place if a dispute over annual leave is not resolved.

Tradespeople at the city council want two more days of leave to match what their colleagues working in office-based roles receive and union officers say members are "angry" at the increasingly "dismissive and anti-union attitude of their department leaders" in regards to the issue.

In a consultative ballot of 225 "craftworkers" at the city council, 99% voted in favour of taking industrial action.

Consultative ballots are often used as a measure of interest and do not mean industrial action or strikes have been confirmed. But Unite, the union representing the workers, claims there may be delays in completing repairs at council homes if the dispute does result in industrial action.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "It is totally unacceptable that these workers receive less holiday than their colleagues. This can be easily rectified by the council. These workers will receive Unite total support until it is."

Repairs at Stoke-on-Trent's council properties were previously carried out by Unitas, but the service was brought in-house by the city council earlier this year.

Unite says it will begin formal industrial action proceedings if the council does not provide an equal annual leave policy "in a timely manner".

Unite regional officer Asif Mohammed said: "Our members are increasingly angry at the dismissive and anti-union attitude of their department leaders.

advertisement

"These workers are out year-round in all weathers and will experience multiple physical injuries over the course of their working lives. It is a slap in the face for the council to turn round and say they deserve less holiday."

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "We have not been formally made aware of this proposed industrial action involving craftworkers employed by the city council.

"However, we are aware that at this stage it is a consultative ballot to gauge members' interest only. We are currently seeking clarification with Unite on any further steps."