It was hardly surprising to learn earlier this month that council workers at RCT are being balloted over possible strike action.
The local authority has sought to pressurise the lowest-paid workers into accepting reduced terms that will see them bearing the brunt of the budget deficit.
Many people are surprised that a Labour-controlled council is behaving in such an unfair way because it is very reminiscent of how the Con/Dems in Westminster under David Cameron are seeking to make the most vulnerable pick up the pieces.
Cardiff Council and Caerphilly Council have both made savings by tackling pay in the upper echelons of the local authority – I have seen very little evidence that this approach is being taken in RCT.
Weekend enhancements and mileage rates have been targeted and this will result in some staff on the lowest pay grades losing 40% of their income. This is plainly not a fair way to tackle the budget deficit and I urge the council to step back from their stubborn stance and seek a more equitable method of tackling their financial woes.
I am sure that workers will send a resounding message to the council's bigwigs about the unfairness of the proposed downgrading of terms and conditions at a rally planned for this Saturday in Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd. I will be there supporting Council workers.
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