Unite, the UK’s leading union, has issued a stark warning to the government commissioners appointed to run Birmingham council following the authority effectively declaring bankruptcy, that “we will not sit back and allow our members’ jobs to be used to pay for others’ failures”.

It was announced today (Tuesday 19 September) that the levelling up secretary, Michael Gove, has appointed commissioners to run Birmingham council. The commissioners will be responsible for cutting costs and returning the council to financial viability.

No illusion

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “No one should be under any illusion, Unite will never sit back and allow our Birmingham city council members’ jobs to be sacrificed to pay for others’ failures.

“If there is any attempt to cut the jobs, pay or conditions of our members, Unite will fight those proposals using every resource available to the union.

“Whenever there is a crisis its always working people who get targeted to pay the price. But our members did not create the crisis and if unelected faceless bureaucrats think that we will allow the livelihoods of workers to be axed in order to pay for this mess, then they need a rapid reality check.”

Unite represents hundreds of members at the council, including those in the refuse service, neighbourhoods, community hubs, bereavement services and children’s services.

Uncertain time for staff

Unite regional officer for Birmingham council Lee Wiggetts-Clinton said: “This is a tremendously uncertain time for all staff at Birmingham council, one thing they can guarantee is that Unite will always have the backs of its members.”

ENDS 

Notes to editors:

Unite reaction to Birmingham council’s financial plight

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite senior communications advisor Barckley Sumner on 07802 329235.

Email: [email protected]

Unite is the UK and Ireland’s leading union fighting to protect and advance jobs, pay and conditions