Appeal to politicians over swim lesson cutbacks.

DISPUTE: Union bosses write to MPS and MSPS calling for urgent intervention as shake-up planned

Union bosses are calling for an urgent intervention by politicians as a row over swimming lesson provision in Dundee threatens to escalate.

The GMB union has written to the city’s MPS and MSPS urging them to act on a proposed shake-up of lessons run by Leisure and Culture Dundee (LACD).

Sessions are currently on offer every day of the week. LACD has insisted this will continue, with plans to increase the number of hours of tuition.

However, GMB says that this will only happen at some venues in the city, while others will have their provision cut.

According to the union, Lochee swimming pool could see lessons cut from seven to four days a week.

GMB has said restructuring will amount to a 45% reduction in the number of lessons on offer throughout the city – a claim LACD has refuted.

The union recently launched a Save Dundee Swimming petition and has warned industrial action may be on the cards.

“We want to see investment in swimming in Dundee... we know the value Dundonians place on ensuring children have access to lessons.

HELEN MELDRUM

Union bosses have also written to SNP MPS and MSPS Chris Law, Stewart Hosie, Joe Fitzpatrick and Shona Robinson, as well as Labour MSP Jenny Marra, asking them to intervene to stop the proposed restructuring.

Helen Meldrum, GMB Scotland organiser, said: “We want to see investment in swimming in Dundee, not just because it can deliver crucial revenue at a time of cuts and services, but because we know the value Dundonians place on ensuring their children have access to lessons.

“Politicians representing the city have a choice to make. They can intervene on behalf of our members and support our call for investment in swimming lessons for Dundee, or they can side with mismanagement and watch the service go under.

“Without urgent intervention from Dundee’s political representatives, the union will have no alternative but to seek a mandate for industrial actions across the service, as management have shown they are unwilling to engage constructively with the workforce.”

GMB claims it has made repeated requests for access to an equality impact assessment for the proposed changes to the Learn to Swim programme, but these have not been granted.

A spokesman for LACD said: “We are absolutely committed to providing a programme that provides the skills for participants to become safe, competent and confident swimmers. For that reason, we are future proofing the service to cope with increased demand.”