North Lanarkshire council must use £73m cuts decision delay to talk with unions

14 Dec 2012

UNISON’s North Lanarkshire branch today welcomed a delay until the new year on a decision on £73m of cuts that would “destroy the social fabric” of the area, but said the council must use the time for urgent talks with trade unions.

Branch Secretary John Mooney said: "Although we welcome this delay which UNISON has been calling for, it is vital that this time is used by the Council to fully engage the trade unions in meaningful dialogue around these cuts.

"Our stewards across the authority have been frustrated by the lack of information and involvement in the process, especially about the proposed saving suggestions for 2013/14 which, if accepted, would be implemented from April.

"The proposals for cuts to services and jobs need to be looked at. They would destroy the social fabric of North Lanarkshire if accepted. UNISON is urging the Council to use this delay to look again at the proposals and involve the trade unions in discussions.

“We had fantastic community support last week for our rally against the cuts, with people protesting in dreadful winter conditions. Councillors must listen to those whose services and jobs are at risk.”

UNISON Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby said: "Councils are being placed in this position as a result of decisions of the Westminster and Scottish Governments.

"The cuts across the UK are not about austerity measures to meet an economic problem, but about politics - a politics that hates public services and loves to profit from privatisation.

"If North Lanarkshire Council, or any other council, moves to any form of compulsory redundancies, UNISON will consult on industrial action."

See reports on the decision to delay on websites at STV and The Herald.

See blog about last week's rally.

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