MoD workers vent anger at planned job cuts

Local civilian workers at the Ministry of Defence protested against planned job cuts yesterday, picketing outside the Naval Base before marching into town.

Around 250 peaceful protesters boisterously chanted their grievances before marching to The Convent in an act of defiance.

They were supported by government ministers, Opposition MPs, other unions and members of the public.

The workers and their union, Unite, are angry that the MoD is presenting “a done deal” instead of engaging in meaningful consultation about the cuts.

They believe that a new operating model proposed by military chiefs will leave some sections so under-staffed they will be unable to properly deliver the required services.

The protest unfolded as Britain’s Minister of State for the Armed Forces Mike Penning was on the Rock for a three-day familiarisation visit.

The noisy crowd called for Mr Penning to rethink a new operating model that will see 85 civilian jobs lost locally.

However, the MoD has said they do not envisage compulsory redundancies and instead are offering a voluntary redundancy package.

Ensuring their pleas were heard loud and clear the protesters held up signs that read “MOD slaughtering local workers to benefit UK civil servants” and “stop pay discrimination” as they sung the Gibraltar National anthem through the streets.

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