Dear GMB Scotland Member
GMB Scotland has formally requested the assistance of ACAS to help facilitate talks between the union and West Dunbartonshire Council regarding the ongoing dispute over the Home Care Redesign proposals. We believe that independent conciliation offers the best opportunity for meaningful discussions aimed at resolving the serious concerns that members have raised throughout this process.
As members know, GMB has consistently highlighted concerns about the potential impact of the redesign proposals on employees, workload pressures, staffing levels, working practices and the future delivery of home care services across West Dunbartonshire. Despite extensive engagement with the Council, a number of significant issues remain unresolved.
The strength of feeling amongst members has been made clear through the overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action. While that mandate remains in place, GMB continues to seek a constructive resolution and remains committed to finding a way forward through genuine negotiation and dialogue.
ACAS has acknowledged our request and has advised that it will make contact with the Council’s lead representative, Beth Culshaw, to determine whether the Council is prepared to participate in conciliation discussions. We will update members as soon as we receive a response regarding the Council’s willingness to engage.
In the meantime, the industrial action mandate remains in place and members should continue to look out for further communications from GMB. We would like to thank all members for their continued support, solidarity and patience as we work to secure the best possible outcome for both the workforce and the vulnerable service users who depend upon the home care service.
In solidarity,
Robert Deavy
GMB Scotland