The GMB union has reacted angrily after Birmingham City Council wrote to staff telling them it was reviewing all their terms and conditions.
The council’s move, reported by Personnel Today last week, forms part of measures aimed at cutting costs by £330 million over the next three to four years.
Birmingham has begun consulting with unions over proposed changes that include a review of car allowances, a revised contract of employment, the introduction of job groups instead of job descriptions and an overhaul of disciplinary procedures.
Joe Morgan, the GMB’s Birmingham & West Midlands regional officer, said council workers have been told that if they don’t accept new contracts they will be dismissed and re-engaged on worse conditions.
“The council’s chief executive is acting like a school bully by saying that workers have to accept this or they will be sacked without compensation,” he added. “Our members are in shock and are up in arms.”
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Morgan said unions representing workers at the council would co-operate in their response to the letters.
A successful equal pay claim by about 4,000 female staff has strained Birmingham City Council’s relationship with its staff and trade unions, with relations being described as the “worst in the country” by the GMB union.
