WALTHAM FOREST: Protesters threaten "general strike" over council cuts (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAM FOREST: Protesters threaten "general strike" over council cuts

1:15pm Friday 29th February 2008 in News By Sarah Cosgrove

PROTESTORS marched on the Town Hall last night (Thursday) in an attempt to convince councillors to oppose the cabinet-approved budget.

The mixture of union members and cultural campaigners met in Walthamstow Town Square and marched along Hoe Street and Forest Road to the Town Hall.

Protestors are concerned about £14m worth of cuts to council jobs and services over the next three years.

A total of £9.5m will be saved through a three-year efficiency review involving 300 job cuts.

Workers are also unhappy about the 2.5 per cent pay rise offered by the council, which they say does not keep up with the cost of living.

And the council's single status plans, which aims to equalise pay for similar jobs, means that while some people will get paid more, others could lose up to £8,000 a year HGV rubbish truck driver Bob Thompson said: "If the council continue with these cuts then they will have a general strike on their hands.

"My partner Julie has to feed and clothe my 19-month-old baby Rachel and I don't know how she is going to do that if there is a £8,000 cut."

Mr Thompson, a Transport and General Workers Union member, estimated 150 people had attended the march.

A council spokesman said the protest had not made much impact.