Both parties say the landmark meeting held yesterday afternoon signals a positive way forward to the recent dispute.
In a joint statement it was recognised that whilst it was too late to call off the strike, the meeting has removed the need for any further strikes to occur, if negotiations continue in a positive way.
Today’s industrial action began at the Abbey Foregate car park with UNISON members marching towards Shirehall in time for a full council meeting held at 10am.
Speaking of yesterday’s meeting Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council said:
“We have had a very constructive meeting and have made really good progress towards reaching an agreement. I am pleased that UNISON now accepts and understands the financial position that we find ourselves in. I firmly believe that striking is not the “Shropshire way†and feel that we can now move quickly and amicably to reach an agreement that meets both the financial demands placed upon us and addresses the concerns of UNISON members.â€
Alan James, branch secretary, Shropshire UNISON said:
“We have held an extremely productive meeting with the leader of Shropshire Council, Keith Barrow. We are really pleased with the results and feel that we now have a better understanding of the financial situation that Shropshire Council faces but also feel that Shropshire Council recognises the need for us to represent our members. I feel that they have listened to our concerns and believe that it gives us an opportunity to work towards agreeing specific details.”
A recent ballot by the trade union asked its Shropshire Council members facing a 5.4% pay cut if they were prepared to take strike action.
Unison said 45.8% of its members turned out with 66% in favour of taking industrial action whilst 34% voted against.
Shropshire Council say changes being made to employee’s working terms and conditions were designed to avoid making 500 staff redundant. They affect 6,500 staff, and fewer than one in three of these are members of UNISON.
More than 1,600 Shropshire Council staff have currently accepted new terms and conditions to their employment.
Today’s industrial action has closed a number of Council Services including customer service points, day centres, highway depots, leisure centres, libraries and Shirehall. A full list of locations affected are on the Shropshire Council website.
