Unison, the UK’s largest trade union, is preparing to hold strike ballots among council and school staff in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland amid a pay dispute. Andrea Egan, the union’s general secretary, announced plans to seek industrial action if local authorities do not improve a 3.3 percent pay offer proposed for 2026/27.

Egan addressed delegates at a conference in Brighton, urging up to 200,000 workers to back potential strike action next month. She described strike action as an essential tool for workers to express their dissatisfaction, stating that accepting a low pay increase would amount to settling for “crumbs from the table.”

Highlighting the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Egan emphasized that council and school staff play a critical role in maintaining community services. She acknowledged that strikes are a last resort but stressed the importance of being prepared to use all available options to secure better pay.

Potential industrial action could disrupt a range of local government services, including social care, education, waste collection, libraries, and housing. These sectors are likely to feel the impact if employees proceed with strikes.

Local authorities have maintained their current pay offer, citing budget constraints and financial pressures. The union, however, argues that the level of pay proposed fails to match the rising cost of living and does not adequately recognize the contributions of council and school workers.

The dispute reflects broader tensions in the public sector over pay settlements, with unions across various sectors pressing for increases to offset inflation and financial hardship faced by workers.

Unison’s move signals a significant escalation in labour relations within local government, with the outcome expected to influence future negotiations over pay and conditions for a large workforce critical to public services.