Good luck to the 400 Barnet Council UNISON members who are going out on strike tomorrow afternoon over the potential privatisation of all Council services.
The Tory Council is now threatening to send home workers as they arrive at work in the morning if they are going on strike that afternoon. In effect they are imposing a "lock-out".
Linda Perks, UNISON London regional secretary, said:
“Barnet Council continues to push through reckless plans that gamble with the future of hundreds of staff and the vital services they provide.
“The response from the council to the action has also been disgraceful, as they are now threatening to send workers home without pay if they do not work the full day.
“A week ago, UNISON presented council bosses with a report that highlighted the potentially devastating impact of outsourcing on staff pensions, terms and conditions and on job losses.
“A report by the council also raised concerns about how well existing contracts are being run. It flouted its own contract procedure rules by paying more than £1million to a private company without background checks - this is unlikely to be a one-off.
“A huge amount of money will be wasted during the procurement process through payments to consultants, shareholders, and in contract costs. This cash should be invested in local people and in keeping vital services running.
“We are calling on Barnet Council to listen to staff and the union’s concerns. Barnet council workers do not take action lightly, and it could be avoided if the council put a stop to its devastating plans.”
Send messages of support to Barnet UNISON and there is a lobby of the Council meeting at Hendon Town Hall tomorrow (Tuesday 13th) 5.30pm to 7.30pm (nearest tube: Hendon Central on the Northern Line) which I hope to attend.
0 comments:
Post a Comment