THE controlling Lib Dem-Conservative coalition on Warrington Borough Council has been accused of indulging in “an irresponsible and ideologically driven attack on local jobs and local services.”
The attack comes from the two main unions representing borough council workers, Unison and GMB, as they brace themselves for another wave of job cuts.
In a joint statement, the unions say: “The Trade Unions have been informed that another wave of job cuts will be proposed on July 1.
“Initial figures indicate proposals of around 100 job losses will be tabled for consultation, although there will be further tranches in the future resulting in more job losses.”
Unison joint branch secretary Jason Horan said: “£28 million pounds has been spent on agency staff and consultancy fees under the Liberal Democrat and Conservative leadership.
“It’s about time the politicians woke up to reality and realised that cutting jobs will only affect the long term delivery of services provided to the residents of Warrington. The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives are completely ignoring the human impact of these cuts.”
Mr Horan said the unions were now engaged in a battle to protect public services and public-service jobs. There was no logic in cutting public sector jobs and money for development which only piled on pressure to the private sector to create jobs.
“The coalition is indulging in an irresponsible and ideologically driven attack on local jobs and local services.”
Unison and GMB are also fearful of the future of services that Warrington Borough Council provides. There is already a proposal to outsource planning and development control services.
The unions have been advised a behind-closed-doors report is due to go to the executive board on June 14 detailing proposals for the future of this service. They have requested a copy of the report but have been refused.
GMB branch secretary Bob Pinnock said: “The overview and scrutiny committee unanimously rejected the proposal to outsource planning and development control services and their recommendations should be the basis for the executive board’s decision. The fact that the public and Trade Unions are being excluded is diametrically opposed to the rhetoric of Warrington Borough Council’s vision and values which include ‘being open and transparent’.”
4 Comments
The Lib-dems have always been destructive and never have a plan to create. They are setting this town back years. they could save some money by getting rid of half of the councillors, most of whom do very little but still get paid.
It is bad enough now, trying to get any contact with anyone from the Town Hall. I dread to think what it will be like. All these jobs that were being done, are still there, but the remaining employees are expected to cover them. Does anyone know who is in charge of the departments?
I get the impression that they will stay in power as long as they can and milk it for every penny. The affect on Warrington and its residents must be un-important.
Dear Comrade
You reap what you sow – 13 years of over spending using funds we can not pay back without creating much pain and sorrow.
Suggest you pack you bags for your fellow communist states where people work for next to nothing while the fat cats get fatter!
North Korea, China and Russia will be pleased to have you!
Can i remind the GMB and Unison Union Reps that it is your Political Party ie labour and its reckless ideology of spending until you drop over the last 13 years that has contributed to the potential loss of your members jobs. You cant afford to spend the way the Labour Party did and bankrupt the Country the way it did. We all have to bear the pain that Laboir has brought to the citizens of this Country
the council needs to loose it;s middle management, some staff have more managers than staff!!! or equal managers to staff. They could employ further front line staff and improve the look of the town to a better standard than it already is and better services rather than reduce and crush services. they would still save. Why have they changed the workforce uniform? what was wrong with the blue? it all cost money that we and they can not afford. and just to mention it shame on trying to sell walton hall .