LEISURE staff across Blaenau Gwent are balloting for strike action after rejecting a new pay offer.

Trade unions for Aneurin Bevan Leisure Trust staff - including receptionists, caterers, lifeguards, librarians and others - recently rejected a below inflation pay offer.

The trust’s offer of one per cent for the period between October 2018 and April 2019 was dismissed as "insulting".

Ian Robins, UNISON Blaenau Gwent branch secretary, said: “The unions asked Aneurin Leisure Trust to give their workers a pay rise in parity with the local authorities across Wales. Instead of looking after their greatest asset, the staff, the Trust Board has decided to hugely over inflate their senior management team on large salaries and invest in gimmicks such as perk box offering money off vouchers which does not put food on our members tables.

“Had staff continued to be employed by the council their pay rise this year would have been two per cent. Why should they be penalised for having been transferred to the Trust?"

Rosie Lewis, UNISON Cymru Wales regional organiser, added: “Some staff are so desperate they have been forced to use foodbanks."

A spokeswoman for Aneurin leisure said it is currently engaging in "on going negotiations" with the trade unions.

She said: "Following a very challenging 2017/18 financial year, Aneurin leisure are not in a position to improve its current offer at present. Part of this is due to an increase in competition that has had a significant impact on the business and missed income targets in some areas.

"Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council are also currently undertaking a review of the existing contract with Aneurin leisure and exploring a number of options. The outcome of the review could impact on the period 2019-2024 and bring further financial challenges to the trust.

"Given the financial pressures the trust is facing alongside the ongoing review undertaken by BGCBC, both the trust directors and the board of trustees feel they have proposed a suitable pay offer in order to safeguard jobs."

Libraries, leisure, adult education, entertainment venues and parks was transferred from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council employment to the trust in 2014.