Protesters lobby councillors as they decide on changes to council staff terms and conditions

Unison protesters lobbying outside the town hall

Protesters gathered outside Rochdale Town Hall on Thursday (27 November) as Rochdale councillors met to make a decision on changes to council staff terms and conditions as budget saving measures.

Armed with banners and flags, members of the Rochdale branch of Unison gathered outside of the doors of the Town Hall to lobby councillors as they arrived for the meeting.

Rochdale Unison Branch Secretary, Maureen Howarth said: “We decided to lobby the meeting a few weeks ago but then when we heard the plans were being discussed today, we decided to stick with the lobby.”

In a report presented to councillors, Rochdale Council is looking to make changes to staff terms and conditions as a way to help the council save £56 million over the next two financial years.

Ms Howarth added: “We hope to achieve a few things by doing these protests but we want to see the plans withdrawn. From the work we have done already, part of the proposals have already been withdrawn and that is a start.”

Original proposals were changed due to the efforts made by unions such as Unison. The Council withdrew changes to occupational sick pay from their plans. This proposal would have removed the entitlement to occupational sick pay for the first three days of sickness absence from 1 April 2015.

“If the proposals go ahead then we will meet with our members, as will Unite and GMB, and we will vote on what to do next. The next step all depends on what happens with these proposals,” added Ms Howarth.

The proposals were discussed in a private meeting with the media and the public excluded, however, it is understood the proposals were approved by councillors.

Council Leader Richard Farnell said: “We appreciate this is a difficult time and I would like to thank our staff and trade unions for recognising the serious financial situation we face and for engaging in a meaningful way to help us reduce costs.

"We have listened to the feedback and had very productive discussions, resulting in amendments being made to reflect their views.”

http://rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/92786/council-staff-face-changes-in-terms-and-conditions-as-budget-saving-measures