Amicus warn Glasgow Council’s decision to privatise their
building services is an
electoral liability
Thursday 29th June 2006
Amicus say Glasgow City Council’s decision to
privatise their building services department will be so unpopular
it could lead to Labour losing its majority.
Amicus has warned that other cities that have done the same
have paid a heavy price at the ballot box as Labour majorities have
been overturned and have urged Glasgow City Council leaders to
reconsider the decision that will mean the Council’s Building
Services department will be run as a private company.
Amicus say they have already met with the Tom McCabe, MSP, to
try and get a change to the Local Government Act that will allow
the department to tender for larger projects in the private
sector.
John Allott, Amicus’ National Officer for Local Authorities,
said: “The Council have no democratic mandate for this
and we believe that this decision will be an electoral liability.
They are turning their back on their loyal, hardworking and
successful workforce and other Council’s that have done the same
have seen their majorities overturned.
“We would urge Glasgow City Council to
reconsider because this decision goes against the wishes of its
employees and the people of Glasgow.”
Alan Finlayson, Regional Officer for Amicus, said:
“Glasgow City Council’s Building Services has one of
the finest reputations in the country. It is an award winning
department that has unrivalled record in serving the people of
Glasgow and it is highly regarded by its’ client, Glasgow Housing
Association.
“It is also a first class employer that trains a
large number of apprentices and has an excellent record for
employing disabled people.
“There is absolutely no reason to take this
unpopular decision and set the Building Services Department up as a
separate company because it is already trading and competing
successfully with the private sector.”
An Amicus convenor working for Glasgow Building Services,
said: “The arrogance and total disregard to the
concerns of the workforce, added with there refusal to consult with
the trade unions to discuss in detail our alternative proposal,
leaves a bitter taste with our membership.
“The Labour group have obviously not learned from
the recent by-election results in Glasgow
wards.”
The department employs 3,000 people.
Amicus say that the outsourcing of building services functions
by Birmingham and Leeds City Councils has contributed to Labour
losing large majorities.
- More -
Glasgow Building Services trade union convenors will meet next
Tuesday to discuss how they might respond to the council’s
decision. The unions say there is every likelihood that Tuesdays
meeting will recommend the political campaign continuing to next
years local and Scottish parliaments elections.
- Ends –
Please call Catherine Bithell in the Amicus press
office for further information on 020 7420 8909 or 07958 473
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