19.09.1996

Blairite Islington war on workforce

Islington council is preparing to launch a barrage of attacks on its workforce and the local working class. Determined to be the jewel in the crown of the Blairite Labour Party, it deliberately set a low council tax for 1996/7 to compete for those much longed for middle class votes. No prizes for guessing who will suffer.

This weekend councillors are having a special meeting to finalise the cuts needed to meet their £16 million target. On Monday they plan to issue the entire workforce with notice to terminate their existing contracts and issue new ones with far worse conditions. They will include removing the right to full sick pay, cutting maternity leave from one year to 15 weeks and increasing the working week to 36 hours.

Yet another reorganisation will mean hundreds of job losses, especially in housing benefits. Community care services are also being slashed and charges for homecare and other services are being increased. Those who cannot pay will be denied. The council is moving quickly to head off any opposition, They are hoping that the current demoralisation and fear will stop any action being taken by union members. However, workers are very angry and many feel there is no option but to fight.

If Islington succeeds, it will give the green light to other authorities who are hungry to make cuts. Hammersmith has already tried to reduce sick pay, but failed. Camden imposed new contracts on its workforce last year. Islington is now trying to take the lead in the economics of New Labour.

Islington Unison is calling for support from other branches throughout London. The union is calling for messages of solidarity and also practical support. A branch meeting next Wednesday will discuss action. This should be seen as an attack on all council workers’ rights and conditions.

Siobhain McLoughlin