THE sacked council worker whose dismissal provoked this week's strike action has called on management to reinstate him.

Union activist Alan Lowe, a painter at Halton's commercial services department for 25 years, was dismissed for 'gross misconduct' in May.

Union members reacted to the decision by voting for three one-day strikes, the first two slated for last and next Monday. Another will be staged in early September.

In a statement, GMB regional officer Mick Titherington said the strike was well-supported and added: "We are calling on the elected members of the council to revisit this case and rescind their decision."

Mr Titherington added that strike action might have to escalate in the future for the GMB to achieve its goal of Mr Lowe's reinstatement.

Mr Lowe was accused of leaving his job without permission, making an unauthorised phone call and disobeying a managerial instruction.

But Mr Lowe, GMB branch secretary, claimed the phone call in question related to a request he was making to attend a union meeting.

The council threw out his appeal in June and GMB officers balloted on strike action.

Halton Council acknowledged the GMB's cooperation in keeping the emergency and cemeteries and crematorium divisions and said: "We would like to apologise to the public for any inconvenience caused and will endeavour to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum."

Anyone with concerns about services can contact the council on 0151-471 7379.

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