Barnsley nursery workers vote to strike in row over pensions
The industrial action looks likely to take place next month
Dozens of nursery workers across Barnsley have voted to strike with a 100% majority.
Industrial action is now expected in November following the unanimous vote.
The early years workers are employed by six nurseries across Barnsley which have been outsourced by the council to private provider Limetree.
Following 'repeated promises' they would keep their existing Local Government pensions; staff have now been told they will be moved onto the private company's basic statutory pension scheme.
This will result in a significantly lower pay out in their retirement and removes their Death in Service entitlement.
Vicky Austin, GMB Organiser, said that:
“This is a decisive result, showing Barnsley Council that they can’t dismiss this issue anymore.
"These workers will not take this lying down, even if it means an autumn of disruptions for the nurseries.
"We demand that Barnsley Council get around the table and start discussions with us on how to resolve this issue.”
Cllr William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “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.
“We're continuing to engage with GMB representatives to see if we can find a way forward to avoid this action and prevent disruption to services for families."
Councillor William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council, said:
“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.
“We're continuing to engage with GMB representatives to see if we can find a way forward to avoid this action and prevent disruption to services for families."