DOZENS of caretakers working for Thurrock Council have voted to escalate their protest over a pay and conditions dispute by taking strike action.

The issue first raised its head in February, when the council announced plans to reorganise the service. Talks held in April appeared to have settled workers' concerns and a trial working period was agreed.

But the row broke out again last month when workers who are in the GMB union said the council had broken its word.

in the walke of that, the GMB Union held a ballot and the outcome has been announced today (Monday, 14 September), with 96 per cent of those who voted opting for strike action. There was a turnout of 74 per cent of union members.

GMB union members protested earlier this year.

The caretakers, who clean and maintain properties across the council's housing properties, staged a protest earlier in the year, saying their roles would be downgraded and their salaries reduced by £2,000 a year on average.

Workers initially agreed to a trial period but are now asking for the downgrading plans to be scrapped entirely.

They claim that during the trial period they have been asked to perform tasks that should be outside their current remit and that their downgraded roles would not deliver the services residents need.

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The first strike date is expected to be on Tuesday, 29 September.

GMB Senior Organiser Gavin Davies said: "Our members are dedicated to providing a first-class service for residents, so voting to strike is not a decision they have taken lightly.

"They feel it is essential to challenge this downgrade, which will impact their salaries and the service for local residents.

"It's no secret that the council is in a mess financially, but that is not the fault of our members and neither they nor residents should not be the ones paying for the council's failings.

"We are urging Thurrock Council to scrap these downgrading plans and ensure they are off the table for good."

Thurrock Council and leading, relevant councillors, have been asked to comment.