Union vows to fight for leisure workers jobs after ‘axe’ email
Union bosses have launched a fight to save the 200 jobs threatened at Renfrewshire Leisure.
Staff at the cash- strapped organisation told the Express they have “families to feed and children’s presents to buy” after it emerged plans are afoot to scrap all casual workers.
The threat to people working at venues like swimming pools, town halls and leisure centres across the county only came to light after a young clerk sent out an email by mistake.
Issued on November 27, it said the 200 staff would have their contracts terminated within 48 hours.
Chief executive Victoria Hollows offered those affected a grovelling apology, stating a draft email had been sent without approval from senior managers in error.
But she was forced to admit a jobs review is underway.
Kirsten Muat, GMB organiser for Renfrewshire, said: “For Renfrewshire Leisure staff to receive these emails late on a Friday, just three weeks before Christmas is appalling.
“These are valuable workers who provide a great service to the Renfrewshire community and have been loyal workers with Renfrewshire Leisure for years.
“The least these workers deserve is some job security.
“That’s why GMB is calling on Renfrewshire Leisure to commit to all ‘casual contracts’ active in the last year being be re-engaged with hours offered on all these contracts.”
The shocked casual staff - some of whom have worked for
Renfrewshire Leisure for over 13 years - got the news their work was over despite a promise made to trade unions that staff would be added to the furlough scheme throughout winter.
The trade unions had also not been consulted on any potential job losses at the trust.
GMB has raised a formal grievance with bosses over their failure to consult with them on the termination of casual contracts, breach of the memorandum of understanding concerning furlough, failure to give adequate notice and failure to abide by the ACAS code of conduct.
Members have also written to chairwoman of Renfrewshire Leisure, councillor Lisa Marie Hughes demanding they are offered job security,
They said: “To send valuable and loyal workers an email, just weeks before Christmas and in a year which has already taken on a toll on our mental health in unacceptable.
“We have families to feed as well as children’s Christmas presents to buy.
“Renfrewshire Leisure’s actions have caused us a great amount of stress and anxiety. We now need security that our jobs are safe and we will be offered hours when centres and services re-open.”
Several members of staff - who say they are too afraid to speak out about what is happening for fear of being let go - said they are devastated at hoe they have been treated by Renfrewshire Leisure - a place they have forged close relationships with colleagues and customers alike.
One said: “This week I had to contact the Scottish Welfare fund because of the situation Renfrewshire Leisure has put me in what’s already been a difficult year.
“It’s horrible to be treated like this.
“I want to speak out but I’m scared if I do I won’t get any shifts any more.”
A spokesman for Renfrewshire Leisure says it is continuing positive discussions with trade unions and staff as part of its wider review and said no date had been set to conclude those conversations.
He added: “We have paid furlough under the job retention Scheme to all staff and casual workers since March where they were entitled, and we have voluntarily topped up the payment from 80 per cent to 100 per cent.
“Our continued use of the furlough scheme will depend on lockdown restrictions and changes to the scheme guidance over time.”