COUNCIL bosses say they will do everything possible to maintain vital services if a mass strike goes ahead.

Thousands of Dorset public sector workers are expected to strike at the end of November in the biggest day of industrial action in years.

The mass protest on November 30, part of a nationwide day of action over a hike in pension contributions, has been organised by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) which claims it has reached ‘the 11th hour’ after eight months of talks.

GMB branch secretary at Dorset County Council Gary Pattison said the action could be the largest strikes seen in Dorset for years if the NUT, PCS and other public unions all support it.

He is expecting a ballot to go out to the 1,500 County Hall GMB members in October and predicts many will vote for strike action.

Mr Pattison said: “The pensions are the tip of the iceberg – this is a year where staff have seen pay freezes, job cuts and changes to their jobs.

“There is a lot of anger and I can honestly say I can’t remember a time when morale has been lower than it is now and tensions are really building up.”

A Dorset County Council spokesman said in the event of industrial action, the council would do everything to maintain essential services and operate as normal where possible.

He added: “Although it is impossible to predict the level of local disruption, our absolute priority will be to continue to provide services for the most vulnerable.”

The final decision about whether schools will stay open will be left with individual headteachers and the governors.

• If you are planning to go on strike get in touch with the Echo newsdesk on newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk or call 01305 830995.