The Council has received formal notice that a small number of lifeguards are to go on strike on the following dates:

Saturday, January 11 2020

Tuesday, January 14 2020

Saturday, January 18 2020

Tuesday, January 21 2020

Saturday, January 25 2020

Tuesday, January 28 2020

The industrial action relates to a dispute over a pay grading review and involves up to 13 members of the Unite union. An offer to continue talks to end the action has been made.

Every effort is being made to ensure minimum disruption to the swimming programme.

Any changes will be publicised on the leisure centres’ social media channels:

Blackburn Leisure Centre – Facebook

Darwen Leisure Centre – Facebook

Any groups affected will be contacted directly.

Denise Park, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Chief Executive, said:

“Our lifeguards are highly valued members of staff and they perform an important role.  All Council roles are assessed using a recognised nationally agreed job evaluation scheme and we regret that these officers are unhappy with the outcome of their pay and grading assessment.”

The Council currently employs 25 lifeguards at both sites.