Wednesday 26 January 2011

Glasgow City Council leader challenged to debate alternatives to the cuts

Trade unionists have challenged the leader of Glasgow City Council to participate in a debate to discuss real alternatives to cutting the city's public services.

Members of the Defend Glasgow Services campaign - a group set up by trade unions, community organisations and community campaigners to fight the cuts - wrote to council leader Gordon Matheson this week asking him to meet with them to discuss ways of protecting the city's services.

Brian Smith, of UNISON's Glasgow City branch, said: "The leader of Glasgow City Council said recently that no-one wants to make these cuts. Well, we're here to tell him he doesn't have to, that these cuts are not inevitable and that he can make a choice to protect our city's services.

"We want Glasgow City Council to set a 'needs budget' that will safeguard our public services and protect the most vulnerable people in our society who will be hit hardest by these cuts.

"The Defend Glasgow Services demonstration this Saturday will allow the people of Glasgow to make a stand against the cuts and send a clear message to politicians that there is a better way."

The Defend Glasgow Services Campaign is holding a demonstration against the cuts on Saturday, January 29, in Glasgow. Trade unionists, community groups and members of the public are all invited to take part in the demonstration which will start at 11.30am in George Square.

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