UNIONS and bosses at Blackburn town hall are on a collision course over big changes to working conditions.

Leaders of the Transport and General Workers Union, the GMB and Unison have issued a joint statement "deploring" a letter which has been circulated to town hall staff detailing massive changes from April.

The letter reveals that the cost of implementing a nationally imposed 37 hour week for town halls across the country could cost the council up to £1.3 million.

And it says some of that money will have to be recouped with new measures including car park charges for staff.

Other moves will involve changes to weekend and bank holiday enhancement payments, and car mileage and expenditure claims.

The statement says the three unions "deplore the managements actions in circulating this letter as it fails to indicate the trade union's viewpoint." It adds: "We had believed negotiations with council officers were continuing and were awaiting a meeting with elected members in the early part of 1999.

"Members can be assured that no agreement will be concluded with the council for the introduction of the 37 hour working week without your full involvement via consultation meetings and a ballot if required."

Steve Weaver, executive director of corporate resources, said the letter was issued to make sure staff were kept informed of the issues being discussed.

He added: "We issued a letter informing staff of the latest developments and will continue to keep lines of two way communication with staff and unions open throughout the negotiations.

"Many staff will gain considerable improvements to their employment conditions. Our desire is to protect services to the public and protect jobs from being cut."

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