IT workers latest group of employees to protest, over privatisation of jobs and services
GLASGOW City Council (GCC) are facing a growing revolt by its own employees following demonstrations at its George Square headquarters and further threats of strike action.
The struggling city council, whose Scottish Labour administration is holding on by a majority of just one seat, is increasingly swamped by industrial action and acrimonious disputes with its own staff.
Council chambers in Glasgow city centre has become the scene of frequent union protests, and saw another 230 Unison members descend on the building late last week [Thursday 17 November] to protest against the privatisation of IT jobs and services.
Tony Santilli, Unison convenor, said: “We believe that the financial figures contained in the plans are completely flawed. Privatisation is not the way forward for this, or indeed any council service.
“The purpose of the strike action is to resist the current proposals and thus protect the current jobs, terms and conditions, pensions and employment status of all Unison members.
“The nature and frequency of further strike action will be decided in consultation with members and stewards.”
When asked by CommonSpace why there were several disgruntled groups of workers taking action all at the same time, GCC’s press office initially declined to comment.
The latest protests follow months of industrial unrest by Community Safety Glasgow workers, who have struck for several consecutive weekends and Glasgow school janitors, who are continuing industrial action since May 2016 over the refusal of a GCC arms-length company, Cordia, to pay them special payments for difficult and dangerous work.
The impasse has led the Unison trade union, which represents many of the workers in dispute, to write to the UK and Scottish Labour party chiefs, asking them to intervene in the Labour council.
When asked by CommonSpace why there were several disgruntled groups of workers taking action all at the same time, GCC’s press office initially declined to comment.
When pressed, a council spokesman said: “Our plans for the development of IT services aim to deliver the best for the citizens of Glasgow – to break down the city’s digital divide, raise attainment in our schools by giving students the best learning tools, and promote new skills and new jobs.
“Staff have been given written guarantees that their jobs, terms and conditions, and pensions will be protected should the council decide to award a contract to CGI.
“The Unison leaders' proposals for IT services are likely to cost hundreds of jobs, in contrast to what they claim.
“In the other two disputes, union leaders are either attempting to cherry-pick from different pay and grading structures or their claims have gone through formal grievance procedures and found to be unjustified.
“It is our hope that these disputes can be resolved soon. In the meantime, we will continue to provide quality services to the public despite this disruption and the very difficult financial situation we are dealing with.”
Picture courtesy of Unison
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