Barnet council workers to strike on Thursday 9 February over One Barnet Project

Barnet UNISON report (via Kate Belgrave):

On Thursday 9 February, hundreds of UNISON members working for Barnet Council will go on strike.

Barnet council workers are fighting the council’s plans to mass-outsource council services and jobs to the private sector.

What is happening in Barnet is what is likely to happen across NHS services as private sector companies fight to win lucrative, guaranteed contracts to provide public services. These contracts are all funded by the taxpayer.

Up to 70% of Barnet council’s workforce could be transferred to the private sector in little more than 11 months’ time.

For many of Barnet Unison’s members, this will be the fourth day of action in response to the One Barnet Project which seeks to transfer the majority of staff out of the council and develop partnership projects with private companies to deliver services.

The total cost of these projects will very likely exceed £2bn, which is why private sector companies are lining up to win contracts with the council.

By agreeing to take action next week, members make a big statement. They want to remain council employees, they want inhouse service bids to be allowed to compete with private companies, and most of all they want to serve the community they are passionate about.

After taking part in the picket line, a group of strikes will help out a local charity. Members want to make it clear that “while they will be withdrawing their labour from the council, they are not withdrawing their commitment to the community they are so proud to serve.”

...Barnet Unison is asking for the One Barnet programme to be put on hold...