Kevin Hutchens, Unite Delegate and Executive Committee
member of Aberdeen TUC stated, "Aberdeen TUC is disgusted and appalled at the total
lack of consultation with the public and the wider trade union movement over
the proposed closure of this vital service.
"Surely it must be understood that
the public and the Trade Unions that we represent from across Aberdeen and
Aberdeenshire will have concerns about the implications for public safety of
this proposed closure.
Kevin Hutchens |
"When public service workers, for example, dial 999 they do
not want to have problems explaining the exact location of a crime to people
who will have no local knowledge or understanding.They want the added
assurance that a local Police control centre will ensure the speediest and
most reliable response takes place"
"Aberdeen Trades Union Council does not accept that
point of view and finds it insulting to the general public and the Trade Unions
who represent the staff.
"We are very aware that when life or property is
under threat from crime, the people of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will be
looking for the speediest possible response that a local control room helps
guarantee.
"Aberdeen TUC will therefore be writing to Police Scotland urging the urgent
reconsideration of this proposal in order to ensure that there is full
consultation with the public and all local Trade Unions.
"An emergency
resolution is also being sent to the STUC Annual Congress in view of the wider
implications of this move if the closure goes ahead.
"Today it is a control centre in Aberdeen, tomorrow it
could be wider changes that have implications for Policing across Scotland
"