I am an employee of Brighton and Hove City Council and today am striking over pay.

The Government has offered employees a three per cent pay rise.

Unison has asked for either a flat-rate increase of £1,750 or six per cent.

Negotiations closed before an agreement was reached so strike action has become necessary.

Some colleagues have said the ballot to strike was not reliable, there was only a 40 per cent turnout and only 56 per cent were in favour.

It was as well attended and democratic as the General Election in many constituencies.

Others have claimed we are fairly paid and that three per cent is a fair offer. Seeking more is purely an act of greed.

The council operates a graded salary scheme. The pay increase offered is probably adequate for those on higher grades but salaries at lower grades are woeful.

Most employees are on these low grades and struggling.

An employee at the bottom of scale three does not have a living wage. Between 50 and 60 per cent of her salary (it is frequently women on the lower grades) would be used to rent a studio or one-bedroom flat in Brighton and Hove. Bills, food and debt repayment would easily consume the remainder.

This employee does not have a hope of buying a home.

I am striking for a living wage which matches the value of the jobs council workers do and the services they provide.

If staff feel valued, not exploited, they will remain in their jobs longer and services can improve.

All residents of Brighton and Hove can benefit in this way. Please support our strike for a living wage.

-Josie Kimber, feathers3@zoom.co.uk