UCATT local government craft workers have voted for industrial action, with 60 per cent in favour.

The ballot covers craft workers employed under the local government “Red Book agreement” and covers carpenters, bricklayers, painters, joiners and labourers. It is not yet known what affect the action will have on Worcester.

The ballot was called after the employers offered a 2.45 per cent pay offer, with strings attached, which threatens the future of the entire agreement.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of construction union UCATT, said: “Our members have signalled their unhappiness with the proposed package.

"We are scheduled to meet the employers next week. I remain hopeful that even at this late stage commonsense will prevail”.

Workers employed in outsourced housing associations and ALMO’s, whose terms and conditions remain covered by the Red Book, were also balloted.

A meeting with the employers is planned for September 8. Following that meeting UCATT will hold a meeting with representatives from Unite, who are also balloting, to discuss the progression of the dispute.