Response to UNISON ballot

Shropshire Council’s chief executive has given his response to the news that UNISON members have voted to go ahead with industrial action, including a potential strike.

Kim Ryley said:

“We are very unhappy about the possible disruption of public services that this industrial action poses and will do all we can to reduce the impact on local people.  We have urged UNISON to keep talking to us about how we can fulfil our promise to protect local jobs and a full range of services to Shropshire residents.  But, the Trade Union has refused to do this. 

“The changes to terms and conditions are designed to avoid making 500 staff redundant.  They affect 6,500 staff, and fewer than one in three of these are members of UNISON.  The result of the ballot shows that only about 500 people – a small minority of UNISON members – voted for strike action.  By comparison 1,500 staff have already accepted the new terms and conditions.  

“It is clear from this that most council staff do not see UNISON’s actions as being in their best interest.  Other trade unions, like the GMB, continue to work with us on positive alternatives to strike action.”