BRUM UNIONS REJECT “SPLIT” CLAIM AS TWO-DAY STRIKE STARTS

23-04-2008

Trade unions have rejected claims of a split in their ranks as Birmingham Council workers begin at 24 hour strike. More than 60 schools will close today, along with a number of libraries, neighbourhood offices, and leisure centres.

The Birmingham Post reported yesterday that the local authority was trying to “buy off” classroom assistants and other ancillary staff represented by the GMB union (http://tinyurl.com/5bp4md).

Unions sources dismiss the idea as “unfounded” and based on “sheer desperation”.

The GMB’s Ann Lafferty said, “The GMB and its members are fully committed and involved in the dispute and along with their colleagues within the other trade unions will be asked to take part in the industrial action on the 23rd and 24th April 2008.

"There is a slight difference of opinion as to the level of talks we are willing to be involved in with Education, however, this does not create disharmony.

The joint trade unions have a commitment to fight together against an unreasonable package submitted by an unreasonable employer. Employers’ tactics come and go, our commitment to the dispute is unwavering.”

Steve Foster who chair the joint trade union negotiating committee added: “The council unions have been united from day one and remain so. If the council is serious about reaching a settlement, it should withdraw the imposed contracts.”

For a full list of today’s strike closures, go to http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/