Council staff to hold strike ballot over Newcastle IT plan

9 Aug 01
Public sector workers are threatening industrial action in protest over Newcastle City Council's moves towards greater partnership with the private sector.

10 August 2001

Unison is to ballot its members on strike action over the council's plans to introduce private partners into IT services.

The privatisation row hinges on the council's review of IT services including housing benefit and council tax. The council is discussing the creation of a joint venture company with one of three potential private partners. Unison claims the private sector will control the new body, as the council will own less than a 20% stake.

The union, which represents 7,000 staff in the council and the city's voluntary sector, has warned that the transfer of staff into a privately controlled organisation will lead to job cuts and affect terms and conditions.

Kenny Bell, secretary of Unison's Newcastle branch, said: 'We are prepared to adopt some of the private sector's ideas but we believe the authority must retain control of the services and employment of staff.

'The council argues transfer of employment into a joint venture company is somehow less of a threat to staff than traditional outsourcing. This isn't true. The private sector would have effective control over the actual running of the company.'

Unison is planning a day of action on September 19 or 20. Council facilities such as leisure centres will close, rubbish will not be collected and only emergency community care workers will be on call.

A council spokesman insisted that workers' rights were being respected: 'The protection of staff is a key consideration and staff should see this review of IT services as a means of securing and enhancing employment in the longer term.'


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