UNISON Cymru/Wales has responded angrily to proposals put forward by Merthyr council that would see council wages cut by 3%, a reduction in the working week to 36 hours, and an enforced 3.5 days unpaid leave for every member of the workforce.
Thhe council is due to meet to discuss the proposals at 3pm today andUNISON will be protesting alongside GMB against the proposed cuts to terms and conditions.
“UNISON is unequivocally opposed to Merthyr council’s plans and will fight them every step of the way if they decide to go down this route,” said UNISON regional organiser Mike Colley.
“Council staff have suffered enough. Local government workers have already experienced a real term pay loss of 20% since 2010 and now they are being expected to plug the financial gap further through these unfair proposals.
“Merthyr council has already seen a loss of 100 jobs in the last year. The demand on services has not reduced though, so instead staff are being expected to deliver more and these plans would mean that they are doing so for even less money.
“UNISON is clear that we will not stand by and allow our members to suffer more financial hardship, especially as we have submitted clear and sensible alternatives that have not been adequately considered by the council.”
