Call for letter of thanks to be sent to Cannock council workers
A Staffordshire councillor has called for a letter of thanks to be sent out to local authority staff who have kept services running throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
But fellow members at Cannock Chase Council have said speaking out against a proposed public sector pay freeze would be a more suitable action.
Anthony Boucker, who represents the Western Springs ward, put forward the motion to thank Cannock Chase Council’s staff at a full meeting on Wednesday.
He said: “The outbreak of Covid-19 has impacted and changed many aspects of our life; the way we work, the way we conduct business, and, particularly at the moment, the way we enjoy our social and private life.
"I am sure that we would all agree that the staff of this council, both those employed directly and indirectly, have risen remarkably to the task and challenges at hand and have managed to maintain the great standards of service that our officers deliver.
“While we would like to be able to go further than this, the Conservative Group feel that a gesture of appreciation should be made to all directly employed council staff.
"Therefore, the Conservative Group put forward that a letter be written to all staff directly employed by the council explaining our gratitude for their efforts during these incredible times.
“The cost of this letter should be covered by a donation from all councillors, meaning that there is no direct cost to this council or the taxpayer. While we appreciate that this is a small gesture, it is at times like these that small gestures of appreciation and gratitude go the furthest.”
But members of the council’s Labour group spoke out against controversial national proposals to freeze pay for many public sector workers, which were set out in the Government’s Spending Review earlier that day.
Rewarding
Councillor Christine Martin, who represents Rugeley’s Hagley ward, likened the letter proposal to the weekly applause for NHS and care workers that took place during the first national lockdown.
She said: “It’s a bit like the Thursday night clap, but when it comes to pay rises and rewarding these people it’s a no.
“It would be good if the group putting forward the motion contacted their MPs and asked them to vote against the pay freeze. If I was one of these workers I would much rather have a financial reward than a letter signed by 40 people and I don’t know who they are.”
An amendment to the motion was put forward calling for the council to write to Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling asking her to oppose the public sector pay freeze. And the amendment was backed by all but one councillor present.
Council leader George Adamson said: “That’s the best way to show our gratitude”.
He added that staff had already been thanked for their efforts during the pandemic.
