Shropshire Council welcomes trade union ballot result on employment changes

The Leader of Shropshire Council, Councillor Keith Barrow, today (Wednesday 16 November 2011) welcomed the outcome of the ballot by UNISON, in which members of the trade union voted overwhelmingly to accept the Council’s improved offer on new terms and conditions of employment for staff.

Councillor Barrow said:

“We had reached agreement on the way forward with the other trade unions (GMB and Unite) some months ago, and have worked hard to find an offer which UNISON members also could agree on. We know that the vast majority of staff find our improved offer acceptable under the difficult circumstances we are facing over the next few years, as we reduce our costs by over £80 million.

“I am very aware that we are asking our staff to make personal sacrifices, and I would like to thank them all for their co-operation and continuing commitment to providing good public services to Shropshire’s residents. This approach has the benefit of giving us time to find ways to save public money without damaging the things we do that people have told us they value most.”

The Council’s Chief Executive, Kim Ryley, reinforced this view, adding:

“The council was extremely keen to end the dispute with UNISON and to move on with implementing service changes which will be designed to offer staff better long term job security, improved job satisfaction, and investment in developing the skills which will keep people in employment.  This is the best way also to protect essential services for local people and to avoid unpopular cutbacks.

“We can now quickly put the past behind us and move on with confidence.”

Alan James. Branch Secretary for Shropshire UNISON, said:

“I am pleased that the membership has come to a decision that allows staff employed by Shropshire Council to put the very difficult last few months behind us and to look forward to the challenges that now lie ahead for everyone involved in the public sector.  I believe that this decision is the best option for UNISON members at this time and that without following the course of action that we did we would not have arrived at the place we are today.  I think it’s crucial now that UNISON and Shropshire Council continue with the recent open and honest dialogue and work together in the best interests of all Shropshire residents.”

FOOTNOTE:

All Council staff accepted new terms and conditions of employment which came into place on 1 October this year. The revised deal with the trade unions improves on these in several key aspects, and places a strong emphasis on continued close working between the Council and the Trade Unions over future changes.