STAFF across libraries and leisure centres in Merthyr Tydfil have unanimously voted to strike over a failure to honour decade-old pay obligations, GMB said today.

Union members at Merthyr Leisure Trust say they have long been owed a pay uplift of about £1 an hour, in line with local government staff.

The ballot result comes after the council announced plans on its Facebook page to offload the leisure trust to a private provider without any consultation on Tuesday evening.

GMB regional organiser Gareth Morgans said: “The fact that Merthyr Tydfil council has decided to privatise Rhydycar without any consultation is extraordinary.”

The beleaguered Rhydycar leisure centre could see yet another delay for the re-opening of the £6 million swimming pool as a result. 

Matthew Felton, a staff member at Merthyr Leisure Trust, added: “Staff have been extremely patient and it’s deeply disappointing that the trust is unable to pay our members the money we are owed.” 

 The council was approached for comment.