Unions members in Interserve row to strike on Friday

Union members employed by Interserve on its contract to renovate and repair 21,000 council homes in Liverpool will hold its first round of strikes tomorrow (Friday).

Industrial action was agreed at ballots a week ago following Interserve's decision to cut its workforce after Liverpool City Council slashed the contractor's budget from £28m to £22m.

TGWU members had voted by eight-to-one, GMB by seven-to-one, while three-quarters (89) of the 115 UCATT members polled wanted to strike.

"This is a situation of tragedy and farce," said Jack Dromey, TGWU national organiser. "It is a tragedy for those being sacked and a tragedy for the tenants who are affected by the farce that is Interserve management."

Dromey said the strike action would not put life and limb at risk as emergency repair cover would be provided. "Our argument is with the company not the tenants," he added.

Liverpool City Council leader Mike Storey branded the industrial action unnecessary, while Interserve's head of corporate communications Giles Scott maintained that "industrial action will not resolve the situation."