North Lanarkshire branch has welcomed the council’s statement that it is delaying a decision on £73m cuts until the new year, and called on the authority to use the time for urgent talks with the unions.
“Our stewards across the authority have been frustrated by the lack of information and involvement in the process,” said branch secretary John Mooney, “especially about the proposed saving suggestions for 2013/14 which, if accepted, would be implemented from April.
“The proposals for cuts to services and jobs need to be looked at,” he said, warning: “They would destroy the social fabric of North Lanarkshire if accepted.
“UNISON is urging the council to use this delay to look again at the proposals and involve the trade unions in discussions.
“We had fantastic community support last week for our rally against the cuts, with people protesting in dreadful winter conditions. Councillors must listen to those whose services and jobs are at risk.”
UNISON Scottish secretary Mike Kirby added: “Councils are being placed in this position as a result of decisions of the Westminster and Scottish governments.
“The cuts across the UK are not about austerity measures to meet an economic problem, but about politics – a politics that hates public services and loves to profit from privatisation.
“If North Lanarkshire council, or any other council, moves to any form of compulsory redundancies, UNISON will consult on industrial action,” he warned.
