UNISON Shropshire Branch demonstrates against Council cuts

Shropshire UNISON members will today be demonstrating ahead of a Council meeting that will determine whether Shropshire Council go ahead with unilateral changes to staff terms and conditions including redundancy payments and car allowances.

The demonstration will take place at 12noon at the Shirehall in Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury.

The demonstration comes as Shropshire Council plans to scrap the lump sum for essential car users, and to drastically reduce redundancy terms, despite assurances from the Chief Executive that they do not intend to make compulsory redundancies.

Said Patricia Wilson, Shropshire UNISON Branch Secretary said:

"Shropshire UNISON unfortunately failed to agree changes to terms and conditions with the Authority. The Council are now determined to impose these changes unilaterally. Shropshire is a rural county and many staff rely upon cars to visit vulnerable members of the community in their own homes. These cuts will have an immediate effect on these frontline staff. This allowance is not an extra, rather it is designed to ensure that cars are roadworthy and safe.”

“The Council, in their wisdom, have decided to push through changes immediately following the Remembrance Service being held at the Shirehall. At a time when all should be contemplating those who gave their lives fighting for our country the Authority will be undermining dedicated staff.”

Said Roger McKenzie, UNISON West Midlands Regional Secretary:

“The attack on Shropshire members’ terms and conditions is an example of how ordinary public service workers are taking the brunt of cuts whilst managers escape. The senior managers who are pushing this process do not rely on cars for their job as they are office based. Is it any surprise that they come up with ‘efficiency savings’ that hurt ordinary public service workers whilst leaving themselves unaffected?

The Chief Executive also keeps insisting that there will be no compulsory redundancies. I therefore have to ask the question why are the Council hell bent on reneging on previously agreed redundancy schemes if there are to be no compulsory redundancies? I think it is time the leadership of the Council levelled with the staff and local residents”