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Potential Disruption to Active Life
Services
Services at leisure centres and swimming
pools in the Wigan Borough could be disrupted over the coming weeks due
to the decision by some Active Life staff to take industrial action.
Around 120 members of the GMB Union have decided not to take strike
action but to ‘work to rule’ following a ballot initiated by the
union.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust has been negotiating with Active Life
staff since September 2007 about the introduction of new terms and
conditions to be implemented from May 2008.
The new terms and conditions are being introduced to ensure that the
Active Life service remains sustainable following a benchmarking
exercise across other local authorities and leisure trusts.
All Active Life staff have been offered a substantial compensation
package covering both years one and two of the new terms and conditions.
There will be no redundancies as part of the changes.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Chief Executive Rodney Hill said: “We
are very disappointed that the unions and staff have decided to take
this action, however, we are fully prepared for the implications. Some
members of the public may experience a disruption to services but we
will minimise them wherever possible and they can be assured that we
intend to maintain an excellent service.
“We have been fully engaged with staff and the unions on this issue for
over six months. Although we have been prepared to negotiate by offering
the compensation package, as yet the unions have offered no compromises.
We would like to see this issue resolved as quickly as possible however
we are committed to ensuring we provide a service that provides
value for money and is sustainable for the long term.”
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s Active Life service manages the
following sites: Ashton Leisure Centre, Hindley Pool, Hindley Sports
Centre, Leigh Indoor Sports Centre, Robin Park Arena and Sports Centre,
Wigan International Pool, Tyldesley Pool and Howe Bridge Sports Centre.
For further information visit
www.wlct.org/activelife
-ends-
NOTES TO EDITORS: For further information on this press release please
contact Chris Dunbar, Media and Public Relations Manager, on 01942
486937 or at
c.dunbar@wlct.org
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See www.wlct.org.
Getting Wigan Active and Improving People’s Lives: is Wigan Leisure and
Culture Trust’s vision to get people across Wigan Borough more
physically, mentally and creatively active. The Trust also aims to have
a positive impact on people’s lives through the wide range of services
it provides.
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