The threat of strike action at Neath Port Talbot leisure centres has receded following a meeting between Celtic Leisure Executives and UNISON representatives.
The company had told staff they wish to break away from the way pay increases have been agreed for the last 16 years and warned its workforce of lifeguards; instructors; supervisors; clerical staff and others, they had to agree the change otherwise they will be sacked and re-engaged on lesser contracts.
Outraged leisure staff voted by 99 per cent in favour of holding a ballot for strike action.
Now Celtic Leisure has withdrawn the legal 45-day notice period that contracts will be ripped up to allow for further talks to take place with the trade union.
The notice period had been activated by the employer after just the second meeting between the parties and UNISON says its withdrawal is sensible.
Mark Fisher, UNISON Neath Port Talbot County branch chair said,
“We welcome Celtic Leisure’s decision to remove the legal 45-day notice period. This allows us to negotiate and identify how staff employment conditions and pay rises will be protected for the long term.”
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