FEARS that a two-day walk-out nexta week by council workers including bin men and dinner ladies have been rubbished by council bosses. Union leaders last month gave the go-ahead for the national two-day in councils across England Wales and Northern Irelan

FEARS that a two-day walk-out nexta week by council workers including bin men and dinner ladies have been rubbished by council bosses. Union leaders last month gave the go-ahead for the national two-day in councils across England Wales and Northern Ireland, taking place this week, Wednesday and Thursday. Among those striking are social workers, housing benefits staff, debt collectors, dinner ladies, reaching assistants, cooks, cleaners, architects and surveyors and refuse collectors. Members of unison went on Strike because of a dispute over pay, and General Secretary of UNISON Dave Prentis said: "Throughout the union and across the country our members in local Government have given sustained strike action the green light. "This decision has not been taken lightly but years of pay cuts and recent hikes in fuel, food and housing costs have left them with little choice." A spokesperson confirmed that the County Council had seen some workers strike, and said: "Every effort is being made to ensure continuity of services, especially essential services used by vulnerable adults and young people. "Service Managers have assessed the potential impact of the strike, and are making the necessary arrangements to minimise any disruption to our public services." But an EDDC spokesman said their services weren't going to be affected: "Unison have confirmed strike action will be taking place on 16 and 17 July. "Unison representation is very low at East Devon District Council and we are not expecting any services to be unduly impacted." Members of Unite working in local authorities were also on strike this week - both unions rejected a recent 2.45 per cent pay offer. Shadow local government secretary Eric Pickles said pay restraint was 'vital' to prevent local taxes increasing.