MORE than 40 police civilian staff in Bury took part in a two-hour stoppage on Monday in protest at controversial pay cuts.

The industrial action, repeated at police offices throughout Greater Manchester, was the first in a series of three strikes planned by Unison, the union which represents its support staff.

Many of Greater Manchester's 3,100 support workers could face salary reductions of up to £5,500 a year as the result of a job evaluation scheme.

Unison claim 30 per cent of civilian staff will lose out while only 12 per cent will get a wage increase.

Tim Sykes, vehicle technician and Unison steward representing the Bury division at its headquarters in Irwell Street, said he faced a cut of £4,000 under the scheme.

"We are now pressing for Greater Manchester Police to introduce a lifetime protection scheme.

"This would mean existing staff not having their pay cut but the reductions being imposed on new support staff when they join."

Another option discussed by Unison and GMP was that affected workers' salaries would remain the same but they would forego wage increases for the next five years. Talks were taking place yesterday between union and police chiefs in an effort to reach an agreement over the dispute.

Ben Priestley, Unison national officer, said: "This dispute must be resolved.

"We have been pushed into action by management walking away from the negotiating table."

The union has more than 2,000 members working for GMP and, in a recent strike ballot, 74 per cent of those who voted supported industrial action.

Among those involved in the Bury stoppage were typists, administration and accounts staff, vehicle cleaners and drivers.

Unison regional organiser Tim Carter has been trying to minimise disruption.

"We have been attempting to negotiate emergency cover in the essential services.

"However, management will not enter into serious dialogue.

"Their ostrich-like behaviour typifies their attitude throughout the dispute."

Two further two-hour stoppages are planned for later this month.

The Bury division employs around 55 support staff, about 45 of whom are Unison members.

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