Labour union Unite to strike for first time at UK financial watchdog

LONDON (Reuters) - British labour union Unite said its members at the Financial Conduct Authority would undertake their first strikes and work to rule during May, June and July at the watchdog's London and Edinburgh offices.

Members of the union have backed industrial action in a ballot in response to new pay packages at the regulator.

"On strike days, members will not log on to FCA electronic systems, answer FCA calls or emails, or attend the office," Unite said in a statement on its website.

The strike days have been fixed for May 4 and 5, June 9 and 10, and July 5 and 6.

"The work to rule will begin on 6 May and will continue for all days that are not strike days," Unite said.

The FCA said its new employment package is highly competitive, providing fair, competitive pay at all levels and rewarding strong, consistent performance.

The FCA employs just under 4,000 staff, and Unite said it has 640 members at the watchdog.

(Reporting by Huw Jones;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle, Kirsten Donovan)