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New strikes after talks collapse New strikes after talks collapse
(1 day later)
Council workers in Argyll and Bute are beginning a fresh three-day strike after talks broke down. Council workers in Argyll and Bute have begun a new three-day strike after talks broke down.
The action is being taken over the way the local authority is implementing a national agreement on harmonising conditions of service.The action is being taken over the way the local authority is implementing a national agreement on harmonising conditions of service.
Talks were held on Monday between the council and unions Unite and Unison but they failed to reach agreement.Talks were held on Monday between the council and unions Unite and Unison but they failed to reach agreement.
The unions said they expected more than 1,500 staff to strike, closing offices and disrupting key services.The unions said they expected more than 1,500 staff to strike, closing offices and disrupting key services.
A Unison spokesman said schools, libraries, home care services and road maintenance would be affected.A Unison spokesman said schools, libraries, home care services and road maintenance would be affected.
Some transport links, such as the CalMac ferries to Dunoon, will also be hit because council workers staff the pier. Some transport links, such as the CalMac ferries to Dunoon, have been cancelled because council workers staff the pier.
Agreed exemptionsAgreed exemptions
Unison has agreed to exemptions covering ferry services, piers, and the standby service for winter maintenance, such as the gritting of roads, where the emergency services make a specific request.Unison has agreed to exemptions covering ferry services, piers, and the standby service for winter maintenance, such as the gritting of roads, where the emergency services make a specific request.
The current proposals represent the best offer which the council can make Council leader Dick Walsh
A rally is due to be held in the Queen's Hall, Dunoon, at midday on Thursday.A rally is due to be held in the Queen's Hall, Dunoon, at midday on Thursday.
The Unison spokesman said: "Unison are surprised and dismayed that the council has squandered this opportunity to move towards a resolution of the dispute, but remain willing to engage in further discussions with the council."The Unison spokesman said: "Unison are surprised and dismayed that the council has squandered this opportunity to move towards a resolution of the dispute, but remain willing to engage in further discussions with the council."
No-one from Argyll and Bute Council was immediately available for comment, however, the council has previously said it would try to minimise the disruption. Argyll and Bute Council said it was disappointed at the ongoing action.
Council leader Dick Walsh said the local authority had sought exemptions affecting the most vulnerable groups.
"I am disappointed that even the most vulnerable members of the community are apparently being targeted for action as part of this dispute," he said.
"We have made every effort to secure a collective agreement with the trade unions and made substantial concessions in a number of areas.
"However, the council has a responsibility to protect services and jobs within Argyll and Bute and the current proposals represent the best offer which the council can make."