Care workers in Dundee have met in a last-ditch attempt to avoid industrial action over changes to their working conditions.
Union bosses got together with hundreds of social care workers to discuss alternative proposals to the split-shift system being proposed by the city council.
Jim McFarlane, chairman of Unison, said: “Trade union members are taking this matter into their own hands to try to reach a compromise to the unacceptable conditions being suggested by the council.
“We are doing this to protect care service users as well as our own members.”
Mr McFarlane said that the council wants to replace the current shift system for home care service staff.
He added: “There were concerns among workers that if they couldn’t reach agreement with management over this issue they would be forced to take industrial action, possibly work to rule and strike action.
“However, following a meeting with management last week we feel confident that we can go to our members with proposals that will be acceptable to them.
“I can’t reveal the details of the proposals at this stage but we have held talks to hopefully work around the split-shift proposals that are currently on the table.
“As a union we feel that it is important to protect the people we serve and we have taken the initiative on this.”
Staff affected include those who help folk with the everyday tasks of getting dressed, shopping and looking after personal hygiene.
Mr McFarlane said that around 300 members of staff would be affected in the city. The workers are represented by the three main unions — Unison, Unite and the GMB.
Mr McFarlane added: “Our members know how important it is to get together to look at reasonable alternatives.
“Talks with the council last week give us hope that this matter can be resolved without the need to resort to action. Our members will decide if they are happy with the suggestions being made.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “Proactive and productive consultation with the trade unions is ongoing.”