UNISON Swindon lobbied the borough council yesterday evening, over the threats to facility time by the Tory council.
Karla Bradford, one of the stewards whose job is under threat, stressed that: “This proposal will not save any money. The removal of one budget does not negate the legal right to paid time off for representatives to carry out their legal functions.
“In fact, this proposal could end up costing Swindon borough council more money in the long term.”
And she added: “We all know the value of trade union facility time; study after study has confirmed that trade union representatives save councils money through our everyday work around sickness absence, suspensions, training, reductions in tribunal claims and costly legal action.”
UNISON made detailed submissions to the council seven weeks ago, at the end of the consultation period. Publicity about the lobby has seen the council request a meeting.
