Glasgow's 'Second Class' Workforce

A kind reader has sent me a notice about the transfer of Cordia staff back to other areas of the 'Council Family'.

Now as everyone knows I'm all in favour of dismantling Glasgow's ALEOs because these ridiculous organisations were really only set up on the advice of senior officials who were trying to find a way for the City Council to wriggle out if its obligations over equal pay.

To add insult to injury an incentive was introduced to help persuade councillors to support via a scheme for 'topping-up' councillors salaries which meant that many elected members were effectively being paid twice for doing their jobs - because in the final analysis ALEOs remained under the City Council's control.

As regular readers know, Glasgow lost this argument at the Court of Session, Scotland's highest civil court, just as the City Council lost the argument over its 'unfit for purpose' WPBR pay scheme.

So if I were a Cordia worker I would go along to one of these 'Glasgow Family' events and I would ask why the Cordia family members are only being asked for their views after all the big decisions have already been taken?

I might even add - "How do the same senior officials who championed the creation of Cordia now think about having to eat their words - and would anyone care to resign?"

Cordia's 'pay and conditions' will be brought back into line with those in other parts of the City Council, but big differences will still remain because of the way the WPBR has been designed - the 37 hour 'rule', for example.

Not only that, of course, because while terms and conditions will improve their is not declared intention (so far at least) to backdate these changes so that Cordia staff are properly compensated for all the years of being treated as 'second class' members of the Glasgow Council Family.

Now these outstanding issues form part of people's equal pay claims, but it would be good to know that Council leaders recognise that this represents 'unfinished business' which will be dealt with in the ongoing equal pay settlement negotiations. 

Dear Colleague, 

Following my previous communication on 13 April 2018, the City Administration Committee have now met and reviewed the services that Cordia deliver. It has been decided that the continued successful delivery of our services can be better achieved by transferring to other areas of the Glasgow family. This means that you will continue to do what you do just now, but within another area of Glasgow City Council. 

It is anticipated that the transition of Cordia staff to Glasgow City Council will be completed by the end of September 2018. Staff will TUPE transfer and we will seek to harmonise terms and conditions as the transfer takes place. 

I am sure you will be feeling a variety of emotions about the announcement and would seek to assure you that the tremendous work that has been carried out by Cordia over the past nine years has not gone without appreciation or recognition. 

Cordia has much to be proud of and indeed our services have won many awards and accolades over the years. Your hard work has made this possible, you should be proud of your contribution to what the organisation has achieved. Although the council’s structure will change the vital work that we do will continue. 

There is also an opportunity for further discussions with your heads of service at the following drop in sessions: 

1. Thursday 31 May 2018, 2.30-3.30pm 

Knightswood Community Centre, 201 Alderman Rd, G13 3DD 

2. Monday 4 June 2018, 5.30-6.30pm 

Tollcross Community Centre, 1120 Tollcross Rd, G32 8HE 

3. Wednesday 13 June 2018, 9.30-10.30am 

Couper Institute, 84-86 Clarkston Rd, G44 3DA