A UNION has demanded that council candidates in Wales “put the priorities of working people first” as they set out their stalls in the run-up to next month’s local elections.

Unison Cymru, which represents more than 90,000 public-sector workers across Wales, is calling on all contenders to focus on a series of measures designed to improve and protect public services. 

The union urged council candidates to take part in a survey and those who sign up to the Unison priorities will have their support for well-funded public services publicised on a dedicated webpage.

Earlier this year, Unison secured a major victory after a long battle to bring leisure services in the Neath Port Talbot council area back into public ownership after 20 years.

Unison Cymru’s local government chairwoman Lianne Dallimore said: “Every single local authority employee showed their dedication keeping vital services running throughout the pandemic.

“We know public services are the glue which holds our communities together and investment here is the best way to tackle poverty and inequality. 

“We’re asking council candidates to demonstrate they put the priorities of working people first by pledging their support to our top priorities.”

Unison Cymru regional secretary Karen Loughlin added: “Quality local services and decent wages and conditions for those who provide them should be top of the agenda for candidates hoping to win at this year’s elections. 

“Hard-working people providing key public services have the experience and skills needed to deliver these services and this is why we are asking everyone seeking election to back our priorities.” 

The launch event will start at 11.30am tomorrow at Venue Cymru in Llandudno.

In the May 5 elections, 16-year-olds in Wales will be able to cast ballots for the first time.