Date: Weds 11 January 2006

Stop bullying staff and talk to unions- UNISON call to East Renfrewshire

UNISON, the trade union representing East Renfrewshire staff reacted with anger today at the threats of voluntary redundancies issued to staff by East Renfrewshire Council.

The union perceives these as an attempt to frighten and pressurise staff. Peter Veldon (UNISON Regional Officer) said; "After refusing to release relevant information to the unions to allow us to negotiate properly, and unilaterally issuing offers that seem to fall short of what members are entitled to, East Renfrewshire Council is now trying a thinly disguised threat to try and pressurise members into accepting this offer.

"UNISON is advising its members NOT to sign up for the equal pay offer OR to volunteer for redundancy at this stage. We will be raising these issues with the council at the earliest opportunity. They really need to realise that they will have more success in dealing with this important issue working with the staff and their unions, than by trying to bully and frighten them."

ENDS

For Further Information Please Contact: Peter Veldon (Regional officer) ­ 07904 342 285 (m) Don Holmes (Branch secretary) ­ 07859 036 588 (m) Chris Bartter (Communications Officer) 0771 558 3729(m)

Index