I WOULD like to respond to the comments made by individual market traders in The Bolton News and address their concerns.

The industrial action on July 10 involved members from six trades unions but, given the traders have singled out UNISON I would like to put the record straight.

The law requires unions to give notice to employers seven days before action takes place in order that contingency plans are put in place.

In this case UNISON informed Bolton Council on June 27, 21 days before the proposed action. UNISON worked with the council to ensure all essential services to the most vulnerable were maintained.

The unions were informed on Tuesday, July 8, that the market was to open without the staff who would normally maintain the cleanliness of the market and, therefore, the safety of traders and customers.

Two thirds of local government workers earn less than the average wage of £21,000 annually. Nationally, half a million workers earn less than the living wage.

Pay in local government has fallen in real terms since this government came to office; 400,000 jobs have been lost; 1,400 of those in Bolton alone.

It is in the interests of business in the town to support our struggle. More money and jobs mean people will spend more on our market.

Of course, industrial action causes disruption; what would be the point of striking if it didn’t? We regret any short-term inconvenience.

However, we know it is essential in the fight to prevent the long-term decline of northern towns like Bolton, which have been disproportionately hit by government cuts. We are already seeing the consequences. You only have to walk round the town centre to see the effect of a low-wage economy on businesses.

Unless everyone joins the fight to improve living standards, it will continue to spiral downwards, affecting everyone’s long-term livelihood.

As the largest union in the town, with 6,500 members, we have considerable spending power. We have an ethical procurement policy in that we do not use firms like Amazon, whose tax contributions do not reflect its massive wealth.

We source our goods and services from companies which respect the rights of workers and the overwhelming amount of our money is spent with small businesses in the town. We always use town centre caterers, we have a large IT contract with a company in Horwich, and have recently purchased T-shirts and fleeces from Bolton Market.

We were a vociferous supporter of the campaign to keep the Market Hall open for small, local traders. We are not your enemies we are your customers.

Bernadette Gallagher Unison Branch Secretary