Keep Transport Services Public Warn Unions, UK

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 30 Jun 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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UNISON and UNITE are calling on North Somerset Council to put a stop to plans to privatise transport services, warning that outsourcing could put vulnerable young children at risk.

Drivers currently undergo vigorous testing to ensure they are capable of driving disabled young people across the region. Tests include driver training, eye sight tests, understanding the meaning of disabilities and frequent driver assessments. Unions believe the privatisation of the service will mean these stringent measures will be lost.

In a joint letter to the chief executive the unions accused the council of failing to undertake a proper consultation or a business risk assessment over outsourcing, due to take place in January 2010.

Ian Ducat, UNISON Regional Secretary for the South West, said;

"North Somerset Council is ill-advised and reckless to be pushing ahead with privatising transport services. At the moment, the department has a top safety record. But privatising will put this at risk. It will also leave disabled children at the mercy of a contractor. The safety of these vulnerable young people must come before profits.

"When you consider the council's transport department is making money, it blows their economic efficiency argument out of the water. They have repeatedly failed to consult the staff who provide these services, and they know what works best. The council are also tied into agreements for vehicle maintenance and support, so will be paying twice over if they privatise transport services. The council need to put a stop to these damaging plans."

Steve Preddy, Unite regional industrial officer, said: "North Somerset Council has completely failed to consult effectively with the unions and employees.

"Their economic arguments just don't stack up and were poorly put together. Unite has constantly asked for more information from the council but they have simply not been helpful and has had to be dragged into consultation.

"Young people with disabilities have particular needs and the council must cut no corners in delivering these, which is why the tests must stay."

Source
UNISON

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