UNISON welcomes the fact that discussions between Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) and Sandwell Council to end the dispute continue.
SLT proposed to extend their notice to dismiss and re-engage all staff, moving them from the national NJC negotiating body for pay, terms and conditions while these talks continue. To show goodwill both UNISON and GMB have agreed to pull the planned strike action on 5th November.
Staff working for SLT have already lost income due to being furloughed. They are not prepared to be punished further because of the pandemic by losing their national pay, terms and conditions.
Unless SLT withdraw their proposals the strike notified for 27th November will go ahead and we will name further days of action to follow if necessary. UNISON urges both SLT and the Council to resolve this dispute as swiftly as possible.