A TWO day strike has been announced by workers at a Tory-run council imposing a “mass privatisation” programme and withdrawing union facility time.

Unite workers at Bromley Council in south London revealed yesterday that they will stage selective walkouts on April 7 and 8 hitting services including libraries and parks.

The union claims the council is privatising most of its services, cutting pay and conditions and withdrawing facility time for Unite representatives.

Regional officer Onay Kasab said: “Our campaign will highlight what will happen to local government if the Tories are returned to power at the general election — a race to the bottom for services and the pay of council workers.

“Unite is drawing a line in the sand against privatisation and austerity in local government. Council services should be for the public good and not as a cash cow for the private companies benefiting from lucrative outsourcing contracts.”

Unite claims that, despite having £130 million in reserves, the Conservative-dominated council is privatising the bulk of its services, including services for vulnerable members of the community.

A hugely successful public campaign by the union has led to nearly 1,000 residents signing up to protests against the council’s plans for its libraries, which include privatisation and replacing qualified, professional staff with volunteers.

The library plans are due to go to a future council meeting, and Unite has produced a report outlining detailed objections and will submit the survey to councillors.

Bromley Council did not comment at the time of going to press.