MORE than 1,000 waterways workers are set to down tools and begin industrial action.

Around 1,100 workers at United Utilities will join strike action coordinated by the GMB Union following a vote.

Sixty-eight per cent of union members voted to go on strike over what is being called a 'real terms' pay cut.

United Utilities' headquarters are based in Great Sankey, on Lingley Mere Business Park.

The employees, who work on both clean and dirty water, voted in favour of strike action, with impacted days to be announced in the coming weeks.

According to GMB Union, strike action is being taken in response to 'years of underinvestment in the system'.

Steve Whittle, GMB organiser, said: “There is real frustration from our members. 

“They’ve seen their pay slashed in real terms for several years, while shareholders and directors trouser fortunes. 

“Meanwhile the infrastructure is left to crumble through a lack of investment. 

“Enough is enough – GMB members at United Utilities demand no more cuts and clean water now.” 

Responding to news of the strike action, a United Utilities spokeswoman said: "That vote took place two weeks ago.

"Since then we have made an improved pay offer which ranges between 7.5 per cent to 8.6 per cent for our employees, along with an additional payment of £1,000.

"All four recognised unions, including GMB, are currently balloting their members on the new offer.

"We have positive relations with our trade unions and have awarded pay settlements year on year as part of constructive negotiations.

"If this latest pay offer is accepted, then the overall increase in base salaries, since 2020, would be between 16.6 per cent and 17.7 per cent, plus additional one-off lump sum payments of £1,500.

"GMB has not notified us of strike action and all of our employees continue to work as normal, maintaining services for customers."