Devon County Council must stop threatening to fire and rehire more than 800 staff who refuse to accept a £450 pay cut, says UNISON today (Monday).
The authority has told around 800 of its staff who receive an essential car user allowance they must accept proposed changes to their contracts by 23 March or they will be sacked.
They include social workers, environmental health officers and others who use a vehicle for their jobs.
If council workers refuse, they’ll be formally told they’re being dismissed at the end of the month, with the new inferior contracts due to take effect on 1 July.
UNISON has condemned the move, which comes after staff overwhelmingly rejected the council’s proposed changes. The union is calling on the authority to withdraw its threat immediately and begin negotiations again.
UNISON Devon County branch secretary Steve Ryles said: “Devon County Council’s reckless approach is creating unnecessary distress for hardworking staff who provide essential services to the community.
“Council workers, many of them low paid, have already rejected these changes. Instead of threats, the council should respect its staff, withdraw this ultimatum, and come back to the table for proper discussions.
“Fire and rehire is a disgraceful practice that has no place in a responsible employer’s playbook. UNISON will stand with council employees every step of the way to stop these plans.”
