UNISON statement on council and union dialogue

Shropshire UNISON Branch Chair Jo Messer’s statement on the dialogue with the council on ip&e:

“In principle Shropshire UNISON remains wholly opposed to the selling off of council services to the private sector, in whatever form it takes, as we believe that the best way to preserve the excellent services that Shropshire Council provides to the people of our county is by keeping them within the public sector as we know it.

“However, at this stage of the ip&e proposals we are clear that we feel that the best interests of our members, of their working lives and of their terms and conditions are best served by us being fully involved with the ongoing dialogue that is currently taking place.  By doing so we believe that we can contribute and influence the decision-making process in seeking to preserve and enhance what we all want, which is safe and secure employment at the same time as delivering the quality services that our county deserves.

“We have given an undertaking to work closely with Shropshire Council throughout this process and in turn have received assurances that we shall be properly consulted with, and involved in, all aspects of the discussions; however, we retain the right to pursue a different course should we feel that our membership is not best served by these proposals.”