South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye is calling on UNISON members to take action to defend two branch secretaries facing dismissal in Swindon.
In February, Swindon council voted to remove funding for UNISON facility time and began consultation to dismiss the union’s joint branch secretaries, Bob Cretchley and Karla Bradford.
Despite the consultation on the dismissals finishing in early June the two branch secretaries have still not heard the outcome and wait in limbo to find out what may happen to them.
Now the branch is planning to lobby the next full council meeting on 19 July 2012 at 6pm, and wants other UNISON members to join in.
“We want to remind Swindon council that this situation is far from resolved,” says Ms Kaye.
“It is as vital that we continue with the campaign that has been running in the branch since these proposals were first raised and that Swindon Borough Council is made aware of the strength of feeling in our union, as well as making sure that other authorities do not decide to follow suit.”
UNISON South West is asking branches to:
- send a message of support to the branch at swindonunison@swindon.gov.uk or via their Facebook page here or Twitter (@swindonUNISON);
- spread the word of the lobby, particularly to sister unions and especially if your branch through local trades council;
- attend the lobby.
On 19 July, meet at the front entrance of the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH with banners and flags.
There are car parks (pay and display) at Spring Gardens, to the rear of the Civic Offices (NB: this closes at 8.30pm) and near the Wyvern Theatre, a five minute walk away.
Please contact the Swindon branch office if you need more information. Tel: 01793 463729.
