IRATE workers from the Amman, Gwen-draeth and Towy valleys are to take their fight against the privatisation of the home care service on to the streets of Ammanford.

Workers will stage a demonstration in the town after Carmarthenshire Council announced plans to privatise the service.

Carers are frustrated by the failure of the council's director of social care and housing, Bruce McLernon, to assure dedicated care staff that the in-house service will retain its share of work.

Union leaders also claim that he has declined to say how much of the service will be transferred to the private sector.

The unions GMB, TGWU and UNISON have organised three demonstrations.

The first will be held in Ammanford on Friday, March 30, while another two are set for Llanelli and Carmarthen.

Bruce McLernon has been invited to attend the rallies to put across the council's case.

Jeff Burns, GMB's regional organiser, said: "Dress it up whichever way you like, this is privatisation of the care service by the back door.

"The council want a bigger, but cheaper and nastier, service than the one currently provided.

"Carers have made substantial sacrifices to their conditions of employment over many years.

"This is an act of abject betrayal by the council and we are hoping that service users, their families and the general public will support our demonstrations."

Rhodri Glyn Thomas and Adam Price have pledged their support to a joint union initiative against the Labour-led council's plans.

Mr Thomas said: "The council's plans have met with strong opposition from the unions, care workers and clients dependent on the service.

"The steps being taken by the three unions have not been taken lightly."

Mr Price added: "We have supported the care workers in their opposition. Our care workers deserve the same commitment from the council as they offer their patients."

Director of social care and housing Bruce McLernon said: "We have made arrangements to meet with trade unions to discuss their concerns. We are also meeting staff to discuss the development of our in-house home care service."