UNISON has reacted angrily to proposals from Cardiff council which would result in a pay cut for members. The council plans to cut the working week – and pay – to 36 hours from 37, with a pro rata equivalent for part workers, claiming that this will produce a saving of £4.4m a year.
The Cardiff county UNISON branch will be holding a series of meetings with members to discuss the proposals and receive members’ views.
“This is the final straw for us,: said branch secretary Linda Webb-Thornton. “Our members have already had to endure a pay freeze for the last four years, which is effectively a pay cut of around 18%.
“A loss of an hour’s pay every week is equivalent to around seven days pay over the year.
“If the council attempts to impose these proposals, we will seek to ballot for industrial action.
“This council made an irresponsible commitment to not put up council tax last year and now it is coming after our members. to pay to make up the shortfall.
“quite frankly we’ve had enough.”
UNISON Cymru/Wales head of local government Dominic MacAskill added: “”UNISON will fight any Cardiff council proposals for hard pressed staff to further subsidise local services.
“Local government workers’ pay and conditions are by far the worst in the public sector. With food, fuel and travel costs going through the roof, many are now at the end of their tether.”
