DUDLEY people are bracing themselves for a day of disruption during a strike by public sector workers.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) claim around 4,250 of their members will walkout on Thursday July 10 in a dispute over pay freezes.

Tax offices, job centres and courts will be among services affected during the day of action which will also see teachers and fire fighters on strike.

Andrew Lloyd, Midlands Regional secretary for the PCS said, “Ministers praise public servants for their hard work and dedication but at the same time they are slashing their living standards. Instead of warm words, public sector workers need a pay rise.

“Over the last four years the total pay increase for civil servants has been less than two per cent, many have had a total freeze, at a time when the accumulative price rises have been at over 16 per cent, PCS members amongst other public sector workers have had enough.”

Councillor Rachel Harris, Dudley cabinet member for human resources, said: “The council has been in negotiations with unions in relation to possible exemptions from the strike to ensure essential services continue to operate, however some services may be affected.

“We would ask people who receive refuse collections on Thursday to put their bins out as normal. If collections are missed on this day, we are aiming to make the collections on the days following the strike, starting on Friday (July 11).

“If people have not received collections on the Friday we would ask them to put the waste out again the following Monday (July 14).

“Anyone planning a visit to council leisure centres, libraries, archives, museums, halls and adult learning centres should check with the venue before setting out.

“Residential services for children and vulnerable adults will continue to run. An emergency social work service will also be provided.

“Council legal staff appearing in court cases, bereavement services, registration and celebratory services are also exempt.”