Funeral workers decide to be unco-operative in pay dispute

Hundreds of workers from Co-operative Funeral Care will stage a one-day strike on 24 October and will also refuse to work overtime following an industrial action ballot over long hours and low pay.

Staff voted for strike action having rejected a pay rise of 3.5 per cent. The overtime ban will come into force on 22 October 2004.

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The GMB union, which represents the strikers, accused the management of failing to address issues raised on pay and hours.

GMB national secretary Phil Davies: “Funeral workers want fair pay, but they also want respect from their employer – and for the Co-op to recognise that funeral workers are committed professionals who do a very difficult job in unique circumstances.”