LAST DITCH talks are under way in an effort to avert industrial action by staff at a maintenance company contracted to Redbridge Council.

Workers at the Morrison are responsible for a number of jobs on council-owned housing stock including plumbing, gas works, roofing and painting.

Fifty GMB union members at the company, voted unanimously to seek permission for a strike ballot last Monday (August 8).

Union representatives say the call was made because Morrison wants to cut workers’ pay by 10% and reduce holiday allowances by three days.

Their request has been passed to a regional committee of the GMB, with any strike action likely to take place by the beginning of October.

But union representatives are currently locked in talks with Morrison in an effort to resolve the dispute.

A GMB spokesman told the Guardian: “We can confirm that there has been some movement by Morrison, but the dispute is not over and talks are ongoing.”

The dispute relates to those members who worked directly for Redbridge Council’s Housing Department before being absorbed by Morrison.

GMB Regional Officer Sandra Vincent, accused Morrison of employing “bullying tactics” in imposing wage cuts on those workers.

She said: “Terms and conditions of employment were carried over to Morrison's from Redbridge Council.

“The management of the company met with trade union officials earlier in the year and gave a glowing report of profits.

“The company is making these significant profits because of the hard work GMB members do.”

But chief executive of Morrison, Gus Wakeley, denied the company were forcing pay cuts on their staff.

He said it had been necessary to make some changes to staff at the company’s terms and conditions, but denied this involved any cuts in pay or holiday entitlement.

Confirming that the company was in talks with the GMB, he added: “We hope to finalise these discussions with our staff and trades union over the coming days, which will enable us to continue working together to deliver a high standard of service to the residents of Redbridge and our client Redbridge Homes.”

A Redbridge Homes spokeswoman said: "Morrison are keeping us fully advised on the proposed amendments to staff terms and conditions.

"They have been consulting with the staff group and union representatives for some time and we are hopeful that strike action can be avoided. However, we are confident that Morrison has plans in place to ensure minimal disruption to residents if staff were to strike.”

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