Carers are objecting to new terms and conditions

Nearly 300 workers employed by Newport Council were asked to sign a form agreeing to a cut in overtime payment.

The conditions offered in the new contract does offer a higher basic rate of pay but unions say that the cut in overtime cancels out the rise.

Newport Council deny staff face being sacked and said the new conditions are necessary to secure the home carers service in the city.

The council refutes claims by unions that staff have been told that if they refuse to sign the form their contracts will be terminated.

Unison and the GMB, who are representing the home carers have said they expect to ballot members over strike action within two weeks.

"Unfortunately our members feel they are being forced to consider strike action because the council refuses to negotiate with us," said Dominic MacAskill, regional officer for Unison.

'Draconian'

Mr MacAskill said that despite attempts by the unions to refer the dispute to the Joint Council of Wales for Arbitration, Newport Council has turned down the offer.

"I am shocked and dismayed at the intransigence being shown by Newport City Council," he said.

"This newly-elected Labour administration has succeeded in provoking the most dedicated, caring and professional group of its staff into having to take industrial action to defend their pay and conditions."

Mr MacAskill said that both Unison and the GMB is opposed to what it considers to be "draconian" methods adopted by the council and says that workers will lose between �70 and �180 a month under the proposals.

He added that staff affected plan to lobby the first full meeting of the newly elected council on 29 June.

The council is not sacking anyone Spokesman, Newport Council

But a spokesman for Newport Council has defended the proposals.

"The council is not sacking anyone," he said.

"We are terminating current contracts and replacing them immediately with new ones.

"This will be offered to all employees. This means that there is no break in employment and therefore no effect on pensions, sickness or annual leave.

"The council is disappointed that the trade unions are intending to ballot regarding strike action.

"We have effected the best terms and conditions which resources allow with no loss of jobs and which will benefit the majority of carers.

"The changes to terms and conditions are necessary to secure the future of Home Care and to allow us to deliver a responsive and flexible service to the people of Newport.