Unions call in Health & Safety Executive in Glasgow pay strike

Unions today questioned health and safety arrangements at a major UK swimming event being targeted by strike action.

Members of UNISON, Unite and GMB are on strike for three days, from today to Sunday 20 June, at Tollcross Centre in Glasgow where the UK Swimming Masters event is being held.

Glasgow branch secretary Brian Smith said today that the unions have contacted the Health & Safety Executive.

He said: “Our strike is rock solid. The only Culture and Sport staff on site are managers. We think they are getting help to run the event from volunteers from the Scottish Swimming organisation.

“However, we have serious concerns that these managers, and the volunteers, have not had the necessary health and safety training specific to this building.”

Today’s targeted action follows a series of successful one day strikes.

Brian added: “The people of Glasgow want properly funded public services, and fair pay for public service workers.

“We are fighting to protect the wages of over 150 workers at Culture and Sport Glasgow who are facing a pay cut of up to 10% due to the changes in sports facilities opening hours.

“We want Culture and Sport Glasgow to offer an acceptable 2010/11 pay rise to all its workers. CSG is the only organisation within the 'Glasgow City Council Family' that has adopted a pay freeze for the current year.”

The unions are also seeking to protect existing conditions including public holiday arrangements and overtime rates.

Brian Smith said:

“Our campaign for fair pay and conditions is attracting increasing support. Trade union membership has actually risen in Culture Sport Glasgow since the dispute began. More and more workers are joining the action despite the propaganda being put out by Culture Sport Glasgow.”

Further targeted actions will take place over the next few weeks at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the People's Palace, the Gallery of Modern Art and at Scotstoun Stadium where the UK Super 8 athletics championships are being held. Another all out one day strike is also planned if no progress is made with the Culture Sport management.


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