March for public services

This Saturday (July 23) people will be taking to the streets of Bromley to call on the Tory-led council to stop the cuts and privatisation of services.

 

Unite has organised the march to show council leaders that the people of Bromley oppose the cuts and the sell-off of libraries, schools and services for the elderly and disabled.

 

“Council services in Bromley are under attack like never before,” said Onay Kasab, Unite regional officer.

 

“This coming Saturday the people of Bromley will send a message to their local councillors that they oppose the cuts and the sell-offs that have been forced on local services,” he added.

 

Bromley council’s plans to privatise all local services will cut core staff from 4,000 to just 300.

 

The council intends to hand six community libraries over to organisations using volunteers instead of paid professional staff. The other libraries – for which tendering has already begun – will be handed to a profit making company.

 

Libraries across the borough faced another week long wave of strikes which started last Saturday (July 16) and an all-out strike across all council services tomorrow (July 20).

 

Members voted by 87 per cent for strike action. Many council workers have already taken more than 30 days of strike action in the long running dispute, which began last year.

 

Adult services, parks services and learning disabilities services have already been privatised.

 

“Council workers have joined forces with the people of Bromley against the council’s demolition job,” said Onay.

 

“The message is clear – the workforce, backed by Unite and the people of Bromley are not going to give up the fight to stop the cuts and privatisation,” he added.

 

To join the march assemble at Norman Park, Hayes Lane, Bromley BR2 9EF for 11.00 this Saturday (July 23).