A WARDEN who lost his job after strike action was threatened over a shift change claimed council bosses decided to axe the service months earlier.
Warren Godffrey told an employment tribunal Knowsley council decided to end the service after wardens rejected plans to work 2pm-10pm.
He said: “Once the council knew we would not accept their offer, I think we were down the road.”
Mr Godffrey was part of a team of wardens which was cut before being axed completely. Some are now claiming unfair dismissal.
But Tim Kenward, for the council, referring to a letter sent out to wardens, said: “It was suggested by the council there was local discretion in shift patterns.
“It was up to the area relationship director and partnership board to fix shifts in consultation with the workforce and unions.”
He also said council bosses wanted to discuss shifts with the unions, but they refused unless pay protection was offered to some wardens.
The case continues.
