Six Barnsley nurseries to close for the day as staff walk out
It's to do with an ongoing dispute over pensions
Nursery staff across Barnsley will walk out today in an attempt to 'protect their retirement funds'.
Over 30 workers are going on strike - which means six nurseries in the town will be forced to close.
It's to do with a dispute over pensions with Barnsley Council.
Victoria Austin is representing those on the picket line with the GMB Union:
“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."
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.
“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.
“We're continuing to engage with GMB representatives to see if we can find a way forward to end this action and prevent further disruption to services for families.”
The Council have said staff had been told in the spring that they would no longer be eligible to stay in the local government pension scheme. However the authority also says the new provider is offering more than the basic statutory pension scheme.