Tenants urged to fight changes By Elain Robertson (The Glaswegian)
Tenants are being urged to stand up and be counted over the changes to concierge services in Glasgow.
The GMB union -which represents most of the manual workers employed by Glasgow Housing Association has formally accused the GHA of asset stripping. Speaking earlier this week, a spokesman for the union confirmed they were opposing the proposed changes and needed the public to make a stand. Martin Doran, of GMB Scotland, told the Glaswegian: "Our members deserve better treatment than the shabby and disgraceful way in which the GHA are trying to trim down the service.
"We will not support any dilution of the night-shift concierge service and if there is any attempt to do so, we will have no option but to go to official bal-lot for industrial action. "I am calling on all tenants to make their feelings on this issue clear. "Contact the GHA and let them know how angry you are. Write to your local MP and MSP asking them to act." A spokeswoman for the GHA claimed the union was causing unnecessary alarm among tenants and concierge staff. She said: "GMB is creating unnecessary concern and distress over our proposals. "We have guaranteed no compulsory redundancies as well as offering pay protection and,for the first time, career opportunities for concierge staff.
"The proposals are in response to satisfaction surveys in which tenants told us they want better services, more secure homes and better neighbourhoods. "The review also offers local housing organisations the flexibility to tailor services to suit the needs of tenants in their own area."
However, Janet McEwan, from the East End, said: "I can assure you concierge staff are needed night and day. l know elderly tenants living in flats in Parkhead and they are glad to have the concierge staff there. Most trouble breaks out at night and over the weekend.
"One lady I spoke to said she would need to move if they withdrew the service as she depends on them for some of the things she can no longer do herself, like changing a light bulb or popping to the shops for her if she is feeling unwell."