Pools Saved Union Hails Win for West Lancashire Workers Community

The union GMB represents over 70 workers. They work at two council-owned pools in West Lancashire, and the council decided to keep the pools open. GMB called this a big win because members and the community fought hard.

The council faces financial difficulties, requiring a new budget meeting to consider service cuts and potentially raising charges. Keeping the pools open also impacts the overall financial situation.

GMB spoke after the council voted to save the pools in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale. GMB will work with workers and the council to ensure leisure service sustainability, aiming to protect jobs, pay, and conditions.

The two sites have pools, gyms, saunas, steam rooms, and offer various fitness activities. West Lancashire also has another leisure center in Burscough, recently updated but lacking a pool.

Tim Collins of GMB called it a victory, saying workers and the community won. GMB fought to protect the pools, and staff, users, and residents were heard.

Collins stated public services are vital because pools provide jobs, health benefits, and offer important green spaces. He credited members and key councillors for saving over 70 jobs and securing these services’ future.

The decision shows unity can protect services, and GMB will work with the council to ensure the pools stay sustainable in the coming years.

The pool decision affects the council budget, which needs to be set and balanced before April; the original date was February 26.

The council said the budget report was withdrawn because the budget gap increased greatly, with deficits rising to millions in future years, making it impossible to set a balanced budget then.

The council needs a legal, balanced budget soon, aiming to achieve this by March 31. Councilors must meet in coming weeks to consider options like service cuts and examine raising costs.