GMB members at Merthyr Leisure Trust voted unanimously for industrial action
Leisure services across the town will be affect, including the beleaguered Rhydycar leisure centre which could see yet another delay for the re-opening of the £6 million swimming pool.
Workers are owed a pay uplift in line with local government staff, following a decade old promise.
The trusts failure to honour the commitment of around £1 an hour to staff has led to staff striking for owed pay.
In a further twist on Tuesday evening, the council announced plans on its Facebook page to offload the leisure trust to a private provider without any consultation.
Gareth Morgans, GMB regional organiser said:
"The fact that Merthyr Tydfil council has decided to privatise Rhydycar without any consultation is extraordinary.
"Our members have voted for strike action, and GMB has got their back.
“Between them Merthyr leisure trust and the council must now pay our members what they owed and immediately begin consulting with GMB on their plans to for the service"
Matthew Felton, staff member at Merthyr Leisure trust, said:
“GMB members at Merthyr leisure trust have worked hard to get the pool reopened.
“We live in Merthyr Tydfil and are passionate about our jobs and know how much the service is valued by local people.
“Staff have been extremely patient and It’s deeply disappointing that the trust is unable to pay our members the money we are owed.”
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