Trade unions have urged the public to join a demonstration against savage cuts to lifeline services in West Dunbartonshire.
West Dunbartonshire Joint Trade Unions, in association with Clydebank Trades Council and various community partners, are organising a demonstration outside the local authority’s Church Street offices to coincide with a full WDC budget setting meeting today (March 1).
Faced with a record budget deficit of more than £14million, councillors will this week decide what to cut – with a list of savage savings options drawn up, including cutting the school week, axing breakfast clubs and a switch to three weekly bin collections.
However the trade unions are keen to send a united message to members that enough is enough.
A spokesperson for Unison in West Dunbartonshire said: “Labour politicians tell us that WDC has a £22m black hole which has been reduced to 14 m after the cuts taken in December 2022 and other efficiency saving measures have reduced the gap.
“Our community says enough is enough.
“Council services are cut to the bone and our members are already significantly struggling to do their jobs as it is without this going ahead.
“Tory austerity in West Dunbartonshire has been rife and rampant for years, with cuts to the Scottish budget or below inflation increases resulting in the Tories cutting Scottish budgets successively.
“However, the Scottish Government need to accept accountability for their failures towards local government in Scotland as they have passed on significant increases in cuts to local government over the years, forcing local authorities to implement even harsher cuts to services.
“The community can do their bit and get out and join the demo. Enough is enough.”
A letter sent to members of the GMB union, seen by the Lennox, adds: “These savage cuts would see the already underfunded services you provide to the community struggling even more.
“Furthermore, even if all of these cuts were accepted there would still be a big funding gap that could only be closed through a substantial hike in council tax.
“We know the root cause of this is underfunding is cuts from Holyrood and Westminster, but it is not enough for the councillors in West Dunbartonshire to just meekly pass them on to you and the community without a fightback.”
The demonstration is due to get underway outside Church Street at 3.20pm today (Wednesday March 1).
