GMB MEMBERS IN LEISURE INDUSTRY PREPARED FOR STRIKE ACTION

GMB MEMBERS IN LEISURE INDUSTRY PREPARED FOR STRIKE ACTION

We won’t let this become a race to the bottom for our members working at Aneurin Leisure Trust, says GMB Union

GMB members across Blaenau Gwent will strike this week following a pay dispute.

On Wednesday [November 7, 2018] as union members employed by Aneurin Leisure Trust will take industrial action for a full working day.

GMB members rejected a revised pay offer from Aneurin Leisure Trust, the organisation that runs Leisure services on behalf of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

Unison and Unite, GMB’s sister unions also overwhelmingly rejected the revised pay offer of 1.5% increase, which was part funded with financial support from Blaenau Gwent CBC.

Across the leisure trust union members will be picketing trust facilities across the region for 24 hours.

Gareth Morgans, GMB Officer, said:

“We regret having to take this action and in particular for any inconvenience to the public, however our members feel they have no option.

“Whilst their former colleagues in local government have receive a minimum 2% pay increase across Blaenau Gwent, Wales and the UK, it can’t be right that workers are paid less for providing the same service and GMB is clear that this outsourcing agenda to drive down terms and conditions has to stop.

“This is a wake-up call to councils who think they can offload public services to the private or third sector to get away from national agreements and nationally agreed rates of pay.

“It’s unforgivable that the trust hasn’t budgeted for a pay rise, and that its negotiations started at a 0% increase with just access to a perk-box for discounted items, that members could not afford anyway.

“There are already stories of members of staff having to use foodbanks to get by, which is simply not good enough so we’re drawing a line in the sand.

“We won’t let this become a race to the bottom for our members.”