A trade union boss has warned that jobs could be at risk if Dundee City Council transfers staff to Tayside Contracts.
Around 380 employees would see their contracts taken over by Tayside Contracts in a restructuring proposal, which the council claims would “safeguard jobs and ensure opportunities for apprentices”.
The employees involved work in the council’s construction and house maintenance departments.
However, Steve Dillon, Scottish Secretary for the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) — which represents about 200 staff members — said the union’s “default position” was to oppose a move, and voiced fears that workers’ conditions could be affected.
He said: “Negotiations are very much on the table at this point.
“We will fight for the outcome that our members in Dundee want.
“We are against any outsourcing of staff members from any local authority to an outside body. That is our national trade union policy.
“We would always rather bring staff in-house than outsource them.
“Outsourcing has the risk of job losses, down-sizing and diminished working conditions.
“There’s a consultation period now required, with our members, who will decide how they want to vote.
“However, it is up to our members how they decide to vote.
“Regardless, we will back them to the hilt.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “The council has been reviewing its construction services with a view to safeguarding jobs and ensuring opportunities for apprentices.
“We are exploring ways to grow the business sustainably in the future, which is in line with our commitment to our workforce as outlined in our People Strategy.
“Councillors will be asked to consider a detailed report on the proposals for construction services in due course.”
A spokesman for Tayside Contracts declined to comment, saying the matter “relates to a review of Dundee City Council’s services and involves their employees”.
A similar restructuring process two years ago saw school crossing patrol and janitorial staff move from Dundee City Council and Angus Council to Tayside Contracts — which also runs services like school dinners.
Prior to the changes, the plans were unpopular with members of the GMB trade union.
Tayside Contracts eventually took over the contracts after an agreement was reached with union bosses in August 2014.