In a joint statement it was recognised that it is too late to call off the strike action scheduled for tomorrow, however both organisations believe that today’s talks will remove the need for any further strikes to occur, if negotiations continue in such a positive way as they have today.

Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council said:

“We have had a very constructive meeting this afternoon and have made really good progress towards reaching an agreement. I am pleased that UNISON now accepts and understands the financial position that we find ourselves in. I firmly believe that striking is not the “Shropshire way” and feel that we can now move quickly and amicably to reach an agreement that meets both the financial demands placed upon us and addresses the concerns of UNISON members.”

Alan James, branch secretary, Shropshire UNISON said:

“Today we have held an extremely productive meeting with the leader of Shropshire Council, Keith Barrow. We are really pleased with the results and feel that we now have a better understanding of the financial situation that Shropshire Council faces but also feel that Shropshire Council recognises the need for us to represent our members. I feel that they have listened to our concerns and believe that today gives us an opportunity to work towards agreeing specific details.”

A recent ballot by the trade union asked its Shropshire Council members facing a 5.4% pay cut if they were prepared to take strike action.

Unison said 45.8% of its members turned out with 66% in favour of taking industrial action whilst 34% voted against.

Shropshire Council say changes being made to employee’s working terms and conditions were designed to avoid making 500 staff redundant. They affect 6,500 staff, and fewer than one in three of these are members of UNISON.

The result of the ballot shows that only about 500 people – a small minority of UNISON members – voted for strike action. By comparison more than 1,600 Shropshire Council staff have already accepted the new terms and conditions.

A day of planned industrial action by UNISON will begin tomorrow with a march and rally starting at the Abbey Foregate car park marching towards Shirehall in time for a full council meeting which is being held at 10am.