Trade unions at Southampton City Council have declared that their battle with Tory bosses over job losses and pay cuts is “continuing”, as the dispute stretches into its twelfth month.
Workers are particularly aggrieved that the council is spending millions opening the new “Sea City Museum” while claiming it has no choice but to cut workers’ pay.
Unison Branch Secretary, Mike Tucker, commented, "Whether introduced by Conservative or Labour Councils, Unison members will not accept pay cuts. While the council wastes millions on a museum the city doesn’t need, workers are facing savage pay cuts. Unison members will continue to take action until nationally agreed pay levels are restored.”
Ian Woodland, Unite regional officer, said: “It is a disgrace that one year on, workers at Southampton City Council are having to continue their industrial action. This dispute is being driven by a political agenda as the Tories have wanted to attack our members’ terms and conditions ever since they won control of the council in 2008.
“Our members are united, angry and determined and have vowed to keep on fighting until the council sees sense. The council should not underestimate their willingness to protest against these unnecessary pay cuts.”
A January meeting of shop stewards and workplace representatives of Unison and Unite agreed to continue the ongoing action short of strikes and have organised a lobby of the council on 15 February.
Unions have also named 10 April as a date for all-out action by all directly-employed workers at the council, and will consult members over what form the action should take.
