Workers at the Environment Agency are to strike for the first time in a dispute over pay. Thousands of workers in England will strike on Wednesday, January 18, from 8am to 5pm.
Those striking are part of the Unison union. The workers are tasked with maintaining safety structures such as the Thames Barrier, flood defences, coastal sea defences and fly-tipping.
Unison says workers were given an "inadequate" pay rise of 2% plus a payment of £345 in November. It said pay has been falling behind rising costs for years.
Workers have been working to rule since last month, which includes taking all their scheduled breaks and rest time between shifts. They have also refused to work "on call" over the festive period. However, this will be the first time in the organisation's history that workers will strike.
Donna Rowe-Merriman, Unison’s head of environment, said: “These dedicated staff have been left with no other option but to strike for the first time in the Agency’s history. The decision to strike wasn’t taken lightly as workers know how crucial their role is in keeping communities and the environment safe.
“But the cost-of-living crisis has reached a point where the lowest paid are truly struggling to make ends meet. Staff often have no choice but to look for other work outside the Agency. This appalling situation cannot go on.
“Communities rely on these critical workers, particularly during bouts of extreme weather and rising problems of river pollution. They should be paid accordingly.
“Unison is urging ministers and the Agency to negotiate and ensure workers are given an improved pay offer. Otherwise, more staff will join the exodus.”
The Environment Agency workers have said they will step in where there is a threat to life or property from incidents such as floods. They will step in as emergency "life and limb cover".
