Pools could shut again due to council pay row

COUNCIL-RUN gyms and swimming pools which reopened in Sandwell last week could now shut again because of a pay dispute.

Unions say they will ballot staff at the town’s nine leisure centres on strike action unless Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT) improves its offer of a one per cent wage increase over the next two years. SLT is an arms length company which runs leisure services on behalf of the council.

It had proposed a two-year pay freeze to overcome losses which mounted when Sandwell’s leisure centres shut in lockdown.

The proposal was overwhelming rejected by staff in a consultative ballot. Unions say workers should be paid in line with council workers who have currently been offered 2.7 per cent.

In a letter to the Trust’s senior management, officials for the GMB, Unite and Unison warn: “Instead of entering a bitter dispute with staff, we ask you to reconsider your position, drop any attacks, and work with the trade unions to campaign for the funding you need to stay afloat. It is the council that has the funds to plug the financial gap from the loss of income.”

Saying the pay rise would only save £97,000 in the first year, they add: “This is nothing compared to the support we understand you need to get through the crisis. Is it really worth creating conflict with staff and the trade unions?”

Trust chief Ash Rai said SLT had to ensure its financial viability following Covid-19. He said: “Trade Unions requested the Board to consider a revised proposal. The board considered this request and has made a revised proposal of one per cent pay award for the next two years and is now entering a period of formal consultation with staff. “The proposed measures will support the future sustainability of the Trust which is absolutely prudent in-light of the current financial crisis the leisure industry faces. We hear everyday of organisations having to make very difficult decisions to safeguard against the impact that Covid-19 .”