CAMPAIGNS: FREMANTLE DISPUTE
 Fremantle care workers relaunch their campaign
Barnet Unison branch reports on the successful action on Thursday 7 August:
"Fremantle care workers took part in a one-hour strike today as part of a re-launch of their campaign to win back their former Barnet council terms and conditions.
"It is 16 months since Fremantle stole their terms and conditions on 1 April 2007 and almosttwo years since the Fremantle care workers' campaign began. It is not just the loss in pay that accounts for why our members do not want to give up hope. It is the knowledge that if they give up their struggle they know that their pension forecast will drop permanently, leaving them with the added worry of how they will cope when they retire.
"We know that this contract has led to a dispute with Barnet Council. Last year the claim was £8.672 million - as it has not been resolved the claim must surely have gone above £10 million. Only three of the planned five new homes have been built. Whatever is going on behind closed doors,what is certain is that the contract will surely be re-negotiated. Will the new contract bring an increase in funding for Fremantle? If not,will Fremantle come back to our members for more?
"Our branch has a proud history of supporting our members. We don’t want Future Shape discussions to see more Fremantle-like privatisation of Barnet Council staff. Our council is not for sale!"
Photo: Fremantle march, Burnt Oak, 10 November 2007. © Vicki Morris |
