Bradford IT strike on hold

Time to talk

Strike action among Bradford's IT staff has been put back a month while union officials continue negotiations over the council's plans to privatise its IT department.

Earlier this week 100 members of UNISON voted overwhelmingly to strike at the end of the month. They're concerned that any move to bring in private finance to run the IT department would put their jobs and pay-and-conditions at risk..

Yesterday afternoon, though, workers voted to give the union and council officials more time to discuss the plans in what has been described as "goodwill" measure.

Unless staff receive the necessary assurances about pay and conditions industrial action will go ahead between 26-27 of February. A further seven days of action will begin early in March.

Speaking after the meeting UNISON Regional Officer, Chris Jenkinson, told The Register: "Our members wanted us to explore issues further with employers. It is a matter of goodwill. But unless something substantial comes out of the talks this is the last time they are prepared to defer action."

In a statement Simon Cooke, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council, said: "We are very pleased that staff have voted to suspend industrial action until the end of February.

"This will allow us to continue working with trade union representatives and bidders to find a solution that meets the needs of the people of the district but also addresses the genuine concerns of staff," he said. ®

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