Clenchwarton groundsmen dig in over pay
GROUNDSMEN employed by Clenchwarton Parish Council are on strike following a drawn-out pay dispute.
Nigel Collison (39) and Kevin Brandon (24) downed tools at the beginning of the month and say they will not work until their wages recognise their skills.
The problems began around six months ago when Mr Collison, who is also employed as a farm worker, discovered another member of staff at the council was being paid using a pay grade system.
He was pleased when the council agreed to introduce a similar system for the groundskeepers, which would take into account their on-the-job experience and qualifications, with level one being the lowest, "school-leaver level."
But the pair were bitterly disappointed to learn they would receive grade two pay, when both have many years of experience and a range of qualifications in the use of equipment and chemicals.
Mr Collison, of Chapel Lane, explained: "We have both been on health and safety courses and I have done a fire marshal course. I have had 12 years experience and Kevin has had about six, but grade two is for people who have been employed for 12 months.
"The parish council has two very well-qualified groundsmen and they are being very, very mean."
Mr Collison usually works for the parish council for ten hours a week during the winter and the role involves a number of duties, including maintaining the children's play area, cutting grass and litter picking.
He believes residents will soon start to notice the work is not being carried out.
Mr Collison added: "The grass is growing, the rubbish is starting to build up and the village will soon look a mess. We are asking for the pay we are entitled to. We do the job, so please give us the money."
Nobody at the parish council was available to comment.
The issue was to be discussed at a parish council finance meeting on Friday.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
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Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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