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Thousands strike in pay band row Thousands strike in pay band row
(about 1 hour later)
More than 80 schools in Birmingham are closed as thousands of council workers are taking part in a 24-hour strike. More than 80 schools in Birmingham have closed as thousands of council workers stage a 24-hour strike.
The walkout, which follows the failure of last-ditch talks, is expected to cause widespread disruption and affect all council services.The walkout, which follows the failure of last-ditch talks, is expected to cause widespread disruption and affect all council services.
Up to 20,000 city council workers voted to strike over plans to restructure staff pay bands with unions claiming they were not consulted.Up to 20,000 city council workers voted to strike over plans to restructure staff pay bands with unions claiming they were not consulted.
Birmingham City Council said it was legally obliged to review its services.Birmingham City Council said it was legally obliged to review its services.
Many of the issues they've raised we believe that we can come to a resolution on Council chief executive Stephen Hughes
The council claims 45% of the workers will get a "considerable increase".The council claims 45% of the workers will get a "considerable increase".
But the unions said some council staff could lose up to £18,000 a year each under the plans.But the unions said some council staff could lose up to £18,000 a year each under the plans.
Schools will be closed because workers, including cooks, cleaners and teaching assistants are due to strike. They have said they will not back down on the issue and there is a possibility of further strikes.
'Non-critical services''Non-critical services'
Unison West Midlands regional secretary Valerie Broom said: "Our members deserve better treatment and the people of Birmingham deserve better quality services." There are about 450 schools in the city.
In a statement, the council said: "In light of the industrial action planned by the trade unions in Birmingham, regrettably the city council has had to take the decision to suspend a number of non-critical services." Workers including cooks, cleaners and teaching assistants are on strike, forcing some closures.
The council is the biggest unitary authority in the UK and efforts will be made to keep as many services and buildings open as possible, a spokesman added. The council's chief executive, Stephen Hughes, said: "Many of the issues they've raised we believe that we can come to a resolution on.
"So we very much regret the fact that they've decided to go ahead and take industrial action anyway."
In an earlier statement, the council said "regrettably" it has had to suspend "a number of non-critical services".
But it has told people to put rubbish out as some will be collected.
'Deserve better'
The council is the biggest unitary authority in the UK and efforts will be made to keep as many services and buildings open as possible, a spokesman has said.
Members of Unison, Unite, the GMB and the construction workers union Ucatt are taking part in the strike.Members of Unison, Unite, the GMB and the construction workers union Ucatt are taking part in the strike.
The city council has listed the schools expected to be affected on its website. More than 80 people had been on one picket line in Kings Norton since about 0600 GMT.
Other services which were set to be affected included:
  • Birmingham
    Museum and Art Gallery
    Unison West Midlands regional secretary Valerie Broom said: "Our members deserve better treatment and the people of Birmingham deserve better quality services."
    The city council listed the schools expected to be affected on its website.
    Other services which were set to be affected included:
  • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
  • More than 20 libraries closed
  • More than 20 libraries closed
  • About 10 leisure centres shut
  • About 10 leisure centres shut
  • Reduced care services
  • Reduced care services