Environment Agency workers vote for first strike in 26-year history over 2% pay deal

Thousands of skilled workers in England will be voting from today, including river inspectors, flood forecasters, road management officers coastal hazards, sewage treatment plant workers and Thames Barrier maintenance staff The ballot includes staff who maintain London's Thames Barrier (

Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Environment Agency staff will vote from today to stage their first strike in the regulator's 26-year history.

Thousands of skilled workers in England will be elected by UNISON after rejecting a miserable 2% wage offer and an extra £345.

They include river inspectors, flood forecasters, coastal risk management officers, sewage treatment plant attendants and staff responsible for maintaining the Thames Barrier in the east of London.

The supply - called a "drop in the bucket" after years of hikes below the cost of living - is well below CPI inflation of 9.9%.

The union has warned that low wages have led "a large number" of experts to quit and "have put the remaining workforce under intolerable pressure".

Christina McAnea, General Secretary of Unison, said: "Severe Government budget cuts mean it's getting harder and harder for them to do their jobs" (

Picture:

BBC Scotland)

General Secretary Christina McAnea said: 'Environment Agency employees love their jobs.

"But severe government budget cuts mean it is increasingly difficult for them to do their job."

She added: "They do crucial work protecting the environment, cleaning up pollution spills, maintaining coastal defences, managing flood risks and supporting affected communities.

"They deserve much better."

The GMB, Prospect and Unite unions, which also represent Environment Agency staff, are expected to announce strike votes soon.