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Unite ‘saddened and dismayed’ at MOD workforce reduction

Photo by David Parody

Unite the Union has expressed its “dismay” over news that the Ministry of Defence intends to reduce its Civilian Workforce through an early release voluntary scheme.

In a statement, Unite confirmed that it was summoned by the MoD to attend a meeting at the Tower HM Naval Base on Monday and was issued with a consultation document whereby the Command intends to deliver a new operating model for British Forces Gibraltar.

“We are saddened and dismayed by the fact that the MOD intends to reduce the Civilian Workforce through an early release voluntary scheme,” Unite stated adding that the news comes at an uncertain time with Brexit looming, which places “further strain” on Gibraltar’s economy.

Unite further announced that it has called an emergency Branch and Shop Stewards meeting for today to study the relevant documentation.

The Union outlined plans to hold a presence at a town hall meeting organised by the MoD to present their plans to its workforce.

This rationalisation by the MoD comes after a 10 year stability of employment (no redundancies) through the Global Agreement, Unite said.

“However, this period has also seen the implementation by the UK Government of austerity measures which have impacted the locally entered civilians who have been hit with 10 years of pay freezes and pay restraints impacting negatively on ordinary working class people.”

 

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