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STAFF who run public leisure activities in Blaenau Gwent in Wales are voting on strike action after having to use foodbanks because of poverty wages.
The dispute involves receptionists, caterers, lifeguards, librarians and others working for the Aneurin Bevan Leisure Trust in libraries, entertainment venues, parks and leisure centres.
Their jobs were transferred from Blaenau Gwent Council to the trust in 2014 and real-terms wages have been repeatedly cut since then.
They received no pay rise last year and rejected an increase this year that is equivalent to 0.5 per cent over 12 months.
Unison, GMB and Unite unions have told trust bosses to produce a substantially improved pay offer.
Unison Cymru Wales regional organiser Rosie Lewis said: “Some staff are so desperate they have been forced to use foodbanks.”
She accused the trust of wasting money on “a bloated executive management structure” and consultants.