Burials and cremations across the UK are threatened with disruption after hundreds of funeral workers voted to walk out over pay.
Unions want an increase in the basic wage for Co-operative Funeralcare staff. Representatives have said that current salaries do not fairly reflect the sensitive nature of the job.
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Members of the Transport and General Workers Union and the GMB employed as funeral directors and admin staff, backed walkouts after rejecting a 3.5 per cent pay offer.
The GMB said the dispute was not just about low pay, but also long hours and bringing working conditions more in line with a modern industry.