Unison to propose alternative council budget
The Unison Cornwall local government newsletter contains an interesting article by branch chairman Nick Olgard, reporting details of discussions with Cornwall Council senior management. Although nothing is yet finally decided, Nick notes with concern the following ideas: a pay freeze, reduced sick pay, reduced mileage allowances and the introduction of parking charges for staff who bring their cars to work. There is also talk of further reductions in severance payments and a "nuclear option" of wholesale staff dismissals, with some then being offered re-employment on inferior terms and conditions.
"Our strategy therefore is to seek to reduce the impact on members," writes Nick. "We will propose an alternative `Trade Union' budget. We will be campaigning publically and lobbying councillors and Cornish MPs."The article ends with talk of a ballot. Sounds like the talks are going to be tough going - and the "alternative budget" is going to be very interesting.
I'm ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Devon’s Graham Smith, blogging on news, views and some fresh insights into West Country life, particularly the way government works locally and nationally.
Comment number 1.
At 11th Nov 2010, backofanenvelope wrote:"introduction of parking charges for staff who bring their cars to work"
Now there's a good idea!
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Comment number 2.
At 12th Nov 2010, Andrew Jacks wrote:We are in for a few years of discontent and can see the unions loosing more than they gain.
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Comment number 3.
At 12th Nov 2010, marhak wrote:No, not a good idea. Many council staff are required to provide their own cars for council use. Those should not be charged - they contribute enough and are not paid very well for the mileage and depreciation of their own vehicles. Perhaps charges could apply to senior, overpaid officers who do not have to carry out frequent site visits. Planners in the Penzance office, and dealing with householder applications, have been told to cut their mileage rates - but have also been told to spend 2 days a week in the Camborne office!!! What sort of twisted logic is that?
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Comment number 4.
At 12th Nov 2010, backofanenvelope wrote:I don't know about Penzance, but perhaps those working in Truro could use the park & ride?
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