Shropshire Council welcomes union ballot result on employment changes
The Leader of Shropshire Council, Councillor Keith Barrow, today welcomed the outcome of the ballot by UNISON, in which members of the trade union voted overwhelmingly to accept the Council’s improved offer on new terms and conditions of employment for staff.
Councillor Barrow said:
“We had reached agreement on the way forward with the other trade unions some months ago, and have worked hard to find an offer which UNISON members also could agree on. We know that the vast majority of staff find our improved offer acceptable under the difficult circumstances we are facing over the next few years, as we reduce our costs by over £80 million.
“I am very aware that we are asking our staff to make personal sacrifices, and I would like to thank them all for their co-operation and continuing commitment to providing good public services to Shropshire’s residents. This approach has the benefit of giving us time to find ways to save public money without damaging the things we do that people have told us they value most.”
The Council’s Chief Executive, Kim Ryley, reinforced this view, adding:
“The council was extremely keen to end the dispute with UNISON and to move on with implementing service changes which will be designed to offer staff better long term job security, improved job satisfaction, and investment in developing the skills which will keep people in employment. This is the best way also to protect essential services for local people and to avoid unpopular cut backs.
“We can now quickly put the past behind us and move on with confidence.”
