GMB protest against privatisation of school meals service
GMB protest in Tower Hamlets against privatisation of school meals service
We have real concerns not only for our member's jobs but the service itself and the Mayor's commitment to provide free school meals for all primary school children, says GMB London
GMB, the union for school catering staff, are to hold a demonstration at Tower Hamlets Town Hall against the privatisation of the school meals service.
Details of the protest are as follows:
Wednesday 27th June
3:30 PM
Tower Hamlets Town Hall
Mulberry Place
5 Clove Crescent
E14 2BG
A group of secondary and primary schools (Oaklands, George Green’s, Langdon Park, Olga, Manorfield and St Edmunds) have triggered a process to end their school meals catering contracts with the Council.
The schools have formed a buying club that are procuring private companies to take over the running of the school kitchens. The staff who currently work in the kitchens will be transferred to the winning contractor and jobs could seriously be put at risk.
Anna Lee, GMB Regional Officer said:
“The Council appear to have been compliant in this process, they have made no attempts to keep the service in house and seem content, maybe even relieved to get rid of this service to the private sector.
“We have real concerns not only for our member's jobs but the service itself and
the Mayor's commitment to provide free school meals for all primary school children.
“Experience demonstrates clearly that the priorities for private companies running public services are not the same as those working in the service and those relying on it. Companies want to see profit before anything and the welfare of the employees is a long way down that list.
“We understand that schools are facing crippling budget cuts and have to look at all their expenditure but we urge them and the Council to work with us to find solutions. Bringing private companies into the private sector is not the answer.
“The Unions are holding a demonstration on the 27th of June at 3.30pm outside the Town Hall when full council is in progress. We want to send a clear message to the management group, councillors and the Mayor that we will not stand by and allow the continuing privatisation of essential public services.
“We urge parents and residents to join this demonstration and show solidarity with the staff already affected as this could affect every school in the borough. We want the council to make a commitment to the parents and children and school kitchen staff that they will do everything to ensure that this service remains in the public sector.”
ENDS
Contact: Anna Lee 07870 176 720 or GMB London Press Office 07970 114 762
