Unions ballot for all-out strike action at Sandwell leisure centres
Unions will begin balloting on all-out strike action in Sandwell’s nine leisure centres this week in a dispute over how terms and conditions are negotiated.
Three town hall unions are asking members to endorse a walkout which could close gyms, swimming pools and sports halls across the borough.
Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) which manages the centres on behalf of the council condemned the move saying it is "irresponsible and inappropriate" following the financial impact of Covid-19.
Darren James, Sandwell branch secretary for the GMB, said workers have already rejected a proposed pay freeze and the dispute centred on SLT wanting to withdraw from nationally agreed terms and conditions.
He said: “We don’t want to take this action but unfortunately the trust hasn’t come with any proposals that are acceptable to our members. We don’t want to put this on the public but the leisure trust can’t do what they are doing.
“The management are dictating and are trying to impose these changes.”
Asked how the dispute could be avoided, Mr James added: “The leisure trust don’t have to touch the terms and conditions of the national joint committee (NJC), just leave them alone.”
Earlier this year, SLT said the national lockdown which closed leisure centres across the country had a major impact on its income.
Sustainability
Sandwell Council has said it has continued to pay the trust throughout the pandemic at a cost of £1.45 million to date.
Responding to the decision to ballot, trust chief executive Ash Rai said: “SLT have been meeting and consulting with trade unions throughout and this ballot for industrial action is both irresponsible and inappropriate in light of the current financial crisis and the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the leisure industry.
“Management have already held webinars with staff and many understand that measures need to be taken to secure jobs and safeguard the future sustainability of SLT. Not all staff are trade union members and the majority of staff do not support this call for strike action.
“The trust board have the legal responsibility to navigate SLT through this financial crisis and it is with this in mind that the removal from the NJC has been proposed as a measure in order that the board have total control over future pay and reward.
“Sandwell Council have continued to pay the trust’s management fee and they have agreed to consider if and when the trust may need further financial support moving forward.”
The result of the ballot is expected in two weeks after which unions must give seven days notice of strike action.
