Workers at Belfast leisure centres to begin industrial action next week following members' ballot
It follows what the unions say is the refusal of the company contracted by Belfast City Council to run the centres to agree the workforce's pay claim.
"The council's decision to outsource services to GLL has proven disastrous' – Sharon Graham (Unite)
Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) is contracted by the Council to manage its outsourced leisure centres and gyms. Both unions have contacted GLL to clarify they stand ready to commence negotiations to resolve the issue.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'It is a disgrace that leisure workers at Belfast leisure centres are earning far less than workers doing the same job in neighbouring councils.
'The council's decision to outsource services to GLL has proven disastrous not just for workers who are underpaid and overstretched but for the public who have endured hikes on charges."
The unions said the Council's outsourcing of services had left pay for workers at its leisure centres at a lower level than those in other councils. Workers are seeking an additional one pound an hour pay increase this year to reduce the pay differential with other workers.
NIPSA spokesperson Janette Murdock said: 'Belfast City Council is the biggest council in Northern Ireland but its leisure workers have the worst pay in the region.
"GLL's unreasonable refusal has led to this industrial dispute and potential for a sharp escalation over the summer. The unions jointly contacted GLL on Friday [4 July] to confirm our readiness to enter negotiations at any time.
"That said, GLL should be under no illusions as to our members' collective determination to close the pay chasm that has opened since Belfast council outsourced leisure services.'
"GLL manage and run leisure centres across the city on behalf of Council. GLL is a social enterprise that reinvests all profits back into the centres and all operational matters, including those relating to pay, are under its remit,' said a spokesperson.
'Council is committed to working with GLL and its employees on the continued provision of leisure services in the city.'
"We remain committed to continuing this dialogue' – GLL spokesperson
GLL said it was 'disappointed' with the approach taken by the unions.
"GLL is disappointed that, despite extensive and constructive negotiations, the unions have rejected a fair and competitive pay offer of 3-5% which is in line with inflation,' said a spokesperson.
"As an Accredited Living Wage Employer, our pay offer is underpinned by the Real Living Wage. The unions proposed a counteroffer of 10-13%, which we are unable to accept.
"As well as extensive dialogue that has already taken place, the unions have chosen to make this announcement on industrial action before the negotiation process has concluded.
"Despite this, we remain committed to continuing this dialogue and have a further meeting planned with the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) and the unions on 30 July as part of this process.
"As a worker's co-operative, and a charitable and social enterprise, we are aware that our offer is welcomed and wanted by many of our staff, who recognise that it values their hard work and commitment, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our services.'
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