Cabinet and union in cuts clash

COUNCIL Chief Executive Charlie Parker talks to protesters outside the meeting

OLDHAM CABINET: OLDHAM Council workers should protest to the Government about cuts to their terms and conditions, the council’s Labour-controlled cabinet said last night.

Trade unions led staff protests outside the Civic Centre during the meeting. Protesters objected to a £1.5 million package of reductions affecting terms and conditions contained in a first round of cuts proposed for next year’s budget. Staff have already been required to take unpaid leave.

Affected staff provide support for children and families, parks and gardens, advice and guidance, waste disposal and street cleansing.

Julie Finnegan, secretary for the Unison branch, said before the meeting: “It is not fair to keep attacking the living standards of people providing valuable public services.”

The terms and conditions issue was deferred from the last cabinet meeting in November, which itself was delayed for talks with unions.

But this time the changes were agreed, alongside with a second round of proposed cuts - making a total £23 million reduction in next year’s budget.

Councillor Jim McMahon, leader of Oldham Council, said: “I was asked earlier today why we are investing in town-centre projects while we are making cuts to staff conditions.

“I said we have wider responsibilities than just being an employer. We have a responsibility to invest in the town centre’s future.

“It would be more useful if council workers from across the UK gathered at Westminster and protested against the Government. That’s where the blame lies.”