Statement from Shropshire Council and UNISON regarding meeting on 29 September

 Leader of Shropshire Council, Keith Barrow and Branch Secretary of Shropshire UNISON, Alan James have been in discussion over the way forward for staff at Shropshire Council following a landmark meeting that took place on Wednesday 21 September 2011. 

A further meeting is scheduled to take place tomorrow afternoon (Thursday 29 September 2011). 

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“We have had several further productive conversations with UNISON over the past week, which have been useful in helping pave the grounds for reaching an agreement that meets the difficult financial requirements placed upon us, but at the same time appreciates how much we value our staff and the fantastic work that they carry out for the people of Shropshire.  We are meeting again tomorrow afternoon and I am hopeful that we will be in a position to agree the basis for moving forwards.” 

Alan James, branch secretary, Shropshire UNISON, said:

“I think it is fair to say that both Shropshire Council and UNISON have worked extremely hard over the past week to bring a proposal to the table that our members can sign up to. We have had an open and honest dialog that has proved to return some positive results that I feel we can work with.  We are hopeful that we will be in a position to move forwards as a result of tomorrow’s meeting and allow the dedicated workforce to continue to do the jobs that they are extremely proud of. ”