Row erupts amid claims Sandwell leisure staff wages could be cut amid Covid-19 crisis
A row has erupted over plans to cut Sandwell leisure staff wages amid the coronavirus outbreak.
GMB Union claims Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) is proposing to stop topping-up furloughed staff wages from May.
This has angered union bosses who say the trust has failed to source other streams of income.
A total of 429 staff are currently on furlough, which represents 97 per cent of the workforce.
Sarah James, an officer at GMB, said: "At a time when people are worried about their health, it is disgraceful Sandwell Leisure Trust have stated they want to enter talks to reduce the terms and conditions of our members.
"At the same time, they are readily accepting donations from the public, rather than seeking alternative solutions from the Government to secure the support they need financially.
"We are always willing to sit at the negotiating table to seek resolution and the best outcome for our members.
"But we will oppose these attacks 100 per cent."
Since March and April, staff have been paid 100 per cent of their usual wages, thanks to a 20 per cent top-up from the trust.
However, under these new proposals, the trust will stop the top-ups, meaning staff will only receive 80 per cent of their wages from the Government.
But trust bosses say no concrete plans are in place.
They are looking at what other financial help is available; like business loans or claiming employee wages through the Government's jobs retention scheme.
Prudent
Ash Rai, chief executive at the trust, said: "We can confirm that we have been working and discussing the impact of Covid-19 and all scenarios that need to be considered to ensure the future sustainability of SLT and in securing the jobs of our employees in the long term.
"It is both prudent and completely responsible that we put everything on the table to consider how we can secure the best possible future for our staff, our customers and the trust overall.
"We have not made any decisions or even made any proposals as to what measures may be required in order to maintain the future of the trust.
"In fact, discussing and reviewing employee terms and conditions are nothing new and something we have had on our agenda of ongoing discussions with our recognised trade unions for some time."
The trust manages nine leisure centres, six swimming pools and a golf course in Sandwell, on behalf of the borough's council.
The trust will soon operate the £60million Aquatics Centre, in Smethwick, when it opens.
The state-of-the-art facility will host swimming events for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
