Unions hit out at council's plan to change conditions

THREE trade unions have issued a joint statement about the city council's plans to force through changes to the terms and conditions of 15,000 of its staff.

The Unison, Unite and GMB unions all object to the controversial proposals, which could result in thousands of staff being paid much less than they currently earn.

In a joint statement, the three unions said the council has imposed "restrictive timescales" to force through its plans.

They also said they are not yet confident that the changes will be "equality proof".

The unions are advising members not to sign up to the new proposals voluntarily, but to accept the new contract on new terms when offered to them so they can pursue a tribunal or legal case if they want to.

The statement said: "The trade union side will continue with their balanced approach – to advise their members that they should refrain from volunteering to give up their current contract.

"The trade union side will continue to make their members aware that they must sign the second offer of employment during the statutory dismissal and re-engagement notice period."