Council services continue despite industrial action
The majority of Warwickshire County Council services have continued today despite the national strike over changes to the Pension Scheme.
Early indications are that no more than about ten per cent of WCC employees have supported the strike action, although the levels of participation have varied across service areas and across the county.
Plans to protect services, and particularly to our more vulnerable service users) have been successful. The council has been able to maintain home help services, keep open all Homes for Elderly People and the majority of libraries and reception points to the public.
Reuben Bergman, Deputy Head of Human Resources said: “Some schools in the county have been affected by support staff joining the strike, particularly special schools and schools in the Nuneaton area. Some Day Centres have also unfortunately had to close, but again, service users and their carers had already been notified.
“It should also be said that we are appreciative of the recognised trades unions for their sensible approach to the day. Picketing arrangements have so far passed off peacefully and without incident.
“We clearly regret any disruption to services but have tried hard to minimise this and keep clients and service users informed. All services will be running as from tomorrow.”
General information about the strike and any service disruption will continue to be updated on the county council website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk. Details of school closures are at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolclosures.
The council’s switchboard will remain open as usual to receive and direct call as required on 01926 410410.