MORE than 4,000 school and council workers in Wales began voting today on strike action that could see walkouts in almost 700 schools and local authorities across the country.

School workers such as teaching assistants, lunchtime supervisors, caretakers and administrative staff and council workers including social workers, refuse collectors, grounds staff and care workers will take part in the ballot which closes on October 24.

The GMB members have rejected the current pay offer for 2023-24 on a consultative ballot.

If workers vote to strike, walkouts at schools and councils could begin as soon as November 9.

GMB national officer Sharon Wilde said: “School staff, refuse collectors and council and town hall workers are the hidden glue that keeps our society together.

“They help our children learn, they look after our most vulnerable residents, they clean our streets, and they keep us all safe.

“They deserve proper value for the work they do.

“After more than a decade of Conservative cuts and a crushing cost-of-living crisis, it’s time they were given the proper pay rise they need.”