SHEFFIELD trade unionists yesterday threw their weight behind ex-council electricians at outsourcing giant Amey striking over a bid to tear up their terms and conditions.

Members of Unite who until two years ago were employed in-house voted eight to one for action next Monday against an attempt to force them onto a new contract.

The street maintenance workers, based at the Olive Grove depot, face longer hours and fewer holidays if the plans go through.

Unite members also fear harsh new disciplinary terms that detail sanctions that include hitting workers with no pay rise for three years.

The Sheffield Trades Union Council passed an emergency motion offering its "full support" for the electricians' "just and noble struggle to keep their existing terms and conditions."

Secretary Martin Mayer said: "We call on Amey to back up and live up to their promise not to attack terms and conditions when they took over the contract from Sheffield City Council."