Nursery workers to go on strike in dispute over pensions
By Google News Personal Finance ·
Nursery staff in Barnsley will take strike action from Monday [9 November] after negotiations with the council over pensions broke down.
Over 30 workers will strike, closing six nurseries in the town. The GMB trade union said the council had pushed forward with an “outsourcing” plan for the nurseries – with planned continued access to Local Government Pension schemes.
But it said council bosses have “u-turned”, moving workers to a scheme meaning lower pensions and pay.
The GMB said one nursery in the council leader’s ward, Grimethorpe, has already closed due to the outsourcing.
The council has said the nurseries are not being “outsourced” and are being transferred to another provider. And it said that while TUPE protects staff terms and conditions, including pay, it does not automatically protect pensions.
Victoria Austin, GMB regional organiser, said: “This is the first time nursery workers in South Yorkshire have taken strike action in a generation. They’re angry and are going to fight the council on this.
“Nursery workers are vital for Barnsley’s future generations. They deserve security and stability for their futures too.
“Barnsley’s Reform council leadership must change course – for the sake of our town’s children.”
Councillor William Brown, leader of Barnsley Council, responded: “We’re disappointed that GMB members have voted in favour of strike action.
“The decision to transfer these nurseries to another provider was taken to protect jobs and retain these services for families.
“Our nurseries will need to close on Monday 9 November, Wednesday 18 November and Thursday 26 November as a result of this action. We have arranged alternative activities for families on these days.
Originally published by Google News Personal Finance
