HUNDREDS of council workers go on strike tomorrow over a pay dispute. Schools, libraries, council administration centres, sports centres and care homes could all be affected in the industrial action by the UNISON, TNG and BGM unions.

More than 1,000 council workers - including support staff at schools - are expected join the picket lines across Medway at venues such as the Municipal Buildings, the Civic Centre, the Compass Centre, Kingsley House and Medway's three main libraries. Administrative workers, cleaners, refuse collectors and teaching assistants are among those likely to take part - 80 per cent of whom are women. The strike is expected to be the largest ever call out of female workers in the history of the UK.

Emergency services will remain unaffected by the strike, but many public services - including some schools - could be affected. The absence of caretakers, cooks and cleaning ladies at schools will mean headteachers will need to make risk assessments and decide if schooling should continue on Wednesday.

UNISON is protesting over the offer of a three per cent pay rise by local authorities and are holding out for six per cent or £1,750 to bring the minimum wage to £11,017 a year. A ballot was held on July 5 this year and strike action was approved.