Mood for action in Neath

At the first emergency meeting of Unison members at Neath/Port Talbot council an indicative vote for industrial action was overwhelmingly passed by the hundreds of members who packed into Neath town hall.

Literally a handful opposed the demand for a ballot, up to and including strike action, in response to the brutal threat by the Labour-controlled council to sack its 7,000 strong workforce and re-employ them on lower wages and conditions.

A further meeting in Port Talbot is due to take place on Friday 9 July, where undoubtedly a similar angry response and outcome is expected.

Unison branches should follow the example of Carmarthenshire branch who sent a delegation and message of support to the meeting in the knowledge that, if this council gets away with these attacks, other councils in Wales and nationally will follow their example.

Alec Thraves