Liberal Democrats on Shropshire Council have expressed their anger at the Conservative Administration for refusing to protect our low paid staff. The Coalition Government has made it clear that those earning under £21,000 should be protected and even have a small pay rise.
Lib Dem Leader, Cllr Nigel Hartin, said “The Council even wants to take 5.4% from those on £13,400 a year. How are these people going to manage when fuel, heating and food are all increasing beyond their reach?
“The Lib Dem group are keen to find a way to keep these people in their jobs and allow them to keep their pay as it is now. We have worked with officers to find a way to fund a pay freeze for those under £20,295. We will be putting the amendment below to help safe guard these people and their families.” Concluded Nigel Hartin.
Parliamentary Spokesman forLudlow, Heather Kidd said today “When the Coalition Government wants to protect the low paid I find this attack on them unbelievable, heartless and unfeeling. They obviously have no idea how difficult it is to make ends meet for people paid at this level. We hope that the Tory administration sees the light and adopts our amendment.”
Cllr Roger Evans who has worked with Nigel on this compromise plan said “It is outrageous how they plan to reward our loyal staff by saying accept this pay cut or we will force it on you by sacking everyone and then just employing those who are willing to work for less money. ”
Full Council will decide the outcome but the Unions look set to call strike action over this potential decision.