THOUSANDS of Bolton Council employees whose salaries could change due to a controversial pay review have one week left to vote on the issue.

Public sector workers union Unison is balloting members on whether they want to accept or reject the proposals.

Almost 2,000 of the council’s 10,000 staff were told in September that their salaries would go down following the review.

Some refuse collectors will see their wages cut from £18,000 to £14,000, while around 30 staff in project and middle management positions will lose between £6,000 and £8,000.

But around 4,700 workers stand to gain, including care assistants who will get an extra £2,500 on their £12,000 wages, and cooks who will see their wages increase by almost 30 per cent to £16,200.

Angry refuse collectors staged a series of meetings after the town hall’s review was announced and they only returned to their rounds on a work-to-rule basis, leading to a massive backlog in bin collections across Bolton.

The pay and grading review was agreed 10 years ago between the Government and unions to equalise pay. It will add an extra £10 million to the council’s annual wage bill.

Talks between the union and the council have been ongoing in the last two months.

The ballots will close next Friday, November 28, and unison representatives within the council will meet at the town hall the following Thursday to discuss the result.

Bolton branch secretary Bernadette Gallagher, said: “The council proposals have been discussed in detail by both our stewards and at a series of member meetings.

“Ultimately, everyone will have their own views. As a member-led trade union the final verdict now rests collectively with the membership.

“It is really important that people read all the information and use their vote.”

A council spokeswoman said it would be inappropriate for the local authority to comment at this stage.

l Unison has set up pay and grading helplines for staff. Call 01204 333914, 333915 or 333916 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.