Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Labour launch “vicious attack” on Union members in Carmarthenshire

Threats of industrial action against council as Labour-Independent authority hit workers rights

 

Plaid Cymru’s Rhodri Glyn Thomas, candidate for Carmarthen East & Dinefwr, has attacked the Labour-Independent run Carmarthenshire County Council for its plans to cut back on time allowed for unions to represent their members.  Rhodri Glyn Thomas, who is seeking re-election in the constituency, said the fact that the Unite Union has threatened potential industrial action against the council showed the strength of feeling locally against these plans.

Unite has described the Labour-Independent local authorities plans as a ‘vicious attack on our union.’

Rhodri Glyn Thomas said:

“The Labour party is quick enough in crying crocodile tears over the Tory cuts in Westminster, but here in Carmarthenshire it is a Labour council group supporting a cut in trade union representation in our council.

 

“Trade union branch officers are volunteers.  They have the right to expect support from their employers.  The last they need is an attack from the local authority, especially one with Labour in charge.

 

 

Plaid Candidate for the Llanelli constituency Helen Mary Jones added:

 

“It is utterly hypocritical of Labour to bang on about how the Tory cuts are hurting their members, when it is only Labour controlled Councils in Wales who are forcing cuts on their employees’ salaries, terms of employment and now even trade union facilities time. Even Tory controlled Monmouth has not stooped that low.”

“I am proud that Plaid controlled Councils have treated their staff with far more respect than their Labour counterparts. It only goes to show that when it comes to the crunch, Labour just can’t be trusted.” 

ENDS / DIWEDD

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