Massive council strike begins
Today's strike is the boggest for years
Wednesday, 16, Jul 2008 12:00
Hundreds of thousands of council workers have begun a two day strike in the largest industrial action in the UK for years.
Up to half a million people from three unions are taking part in the walkout in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Hundreds of schools and libraries are set to be closed for the next two days, while rubbish will remain uncollected in many cities.
It's just the latest public sector dispute since the government capped pay rises to combat inflation.
Unions say the 2.45 per cent pay rise offered by the government amounts to a pay cut when inflation is taken into account
The Conservatives said the unions had to face up to the new economic landscape.
"Trade union leaders need to recognise that residents are struggling to pay record high council tax bills, and the only people that will suffer from these strikes are hardworking families who are themselves struggling to make ends meet," said Eric Pickles, shadow communities and local government secretary.