Workers from Kirklees Council will lobby the employer ahead of a council meeting on Wednesday over plans to cut 250 jobs, UNISON says today (Monday).
The job cuts are to address an overspend of more than £20 million – and workers are now being balloted over potential strike action in response.
The lobby, which is supported by Huddersfield TUC, will take place at 4.30pm outside Huddersfield Town Hall, ahead of the council meeting at 5.30pm.
UNISON Kirklees branch secretary Mick Donoghue will address the meeting on behalf of the branch.
The job losses are scheduled for between October this year and March 2024, and UNISON has been told the council cannot afford to offer voluntary redundancies.
The union is reiterating its call for the council to reconsider the plans, which will result in vital services being withdrawn from local communities.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Robin Symonds said: “Staff aren’t willing to roll over and let these cuts happen.
“They’re fighting for their jobs – but they’re also fighting for the communities they serve, who’ll inevitably suffer if these cuts go ahead.
“Services will disappear as a result – meaning thousands of people will be impacted across Kirklees.
“The council needs to find another way to address the overspend.”
UNISON Kirklees branch secretary Mick Donoghue said: “The council’s decision to announce redundancies with no further information has just caused uncertainty and concern for staff.
“The employer expects workers to carry on as normal when they could be losing their job next month.
“The financial problems at the council are a result of 13 years of mismanagement by the Conservative government, and making these cuts will just kick the can down the road rather than actually addressing the issues.
“Staff will suffer, the people of Kirklees will suffer – the council needs to find another way of saving money.”
