Stop Council Cuts

BROMLEY COUNCIL'S disciplinary hearing against union activist Glenn Kelly takes place this week. They are charging him with the 'crime' of opposing council plans to cut the night care staff in sheltered accommodation.

Bill Mullins

They use phrases like "going beyond his remit as a trade union official" and "deliberately misrepresenting the council's intentions". But after many weeks of campaigning their real intentions are now clear to the vast majority of council workers. Bromley council want to sack someone who spoke up for his members' jobs and the services they supply to the elderly.

The council want to rid themselves of a trade unionist who is a major thorn in their side. Like many other councils Bromley plan massive cuts in their November budget.

One manager was heard to say Glenn's campaign had wrecked their chances of implementing the full £400,000 in cuts they want by getting rid of the night care staff in the sheltered homes.

Glenn has been charged with 'misrepresenting' the council's intentions. What he actually did was express an opinion that if the council has a pilot study where they have no night care staff between the hours of 9pm and 7am then their intention would be to do the same in the other five homes.

The council clearly wants to get rid of Glenn, whether or not they have a case.

Now council workers must show their willingness to take strike action in support of Glenn and to fight for their right for the best union representation.

A ballot for strike action is currently taking place and the result will be known next week. A vote for action by the workers will make this council back off like nothing else can. When the bosses are shown that they face the wrath of the wider membership they will finally get the message that they attack Glenn Kelly at their peril.

Protest to: Jeremy Ambache, Director of Social Services, Bromley council, Civic Centre, Bromley, BR1 3UH. Fax: 020 83813 4620.

Send messages of support to: Bromley UNISON, Civic Centre, Bromley. Tel: 020 83813 4405. Fax: 020 83813 4885.

Come to the lobby, Thursday 5 October (8.30am and 12.30pm) at Bromley Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley.

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In The Socialist 6 October 2000:

Fleece the Fat Cats