Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, today called on Plymouth City
Council to drop the macho politics and get back round the table. The call
comes following the councils decision to withdraw recognition from the
union, close its office and refuse further talks, in the wake of a disagreement
over discriminatory cuts to council workers pay and conditions.
Dave Prentis, said:
“Plymouth City Council should drop the macho politics and get back round
the negotiating table, for the good of their workforce and the people of
Plymouth. Derecognising the union is an aggressive and disproportionate
response to UNISON’s honest efforts to protect our members jobs, pay and
conditions and protect vital services for local people.
“We are taking legal advice, and we will not be pressured into signing an
agreement that discriminates against some groups of staff.
“We have support from Unite and GMB who have both written to the council to
withdraw their signatures from the agreement. There is only one way back
now, and that is for the council to talk to the union and come to a fair and
reasonable agreement.”
The local UNISON branch has been overwhelmed with messages of support
from around the UK and across the globe. There has been numerous
messages from people in Plymouth, many of whom are not even union
members but believe firmly that UNISON is doing the right thing.
Ends
Notes to editors
The unions have been in talks for months over the Council’s decision to cut
jobs and the pay and conditions of its staff. The union has been given legal
advice that the proposed agreement may have a disproportionate impact on
certain groups of low paid workers, making it discriminatory. The cuts will
particularly hit those providing home care, emergency social
services, street cleaners and parks workers.