"Keep calm - this is only a drill - the Union will not be taking industrial action today"
Given that Unison are the largest Union in Westminster does that mean we pose the biggest threat?
The No To The Bike Parking Tax protestors will be really angry - they didn't even make the list!
But on a more serious note this is worrying for more than one reason.
If Westminster Council really believes that the threat of industrial action is as dangerous as the threat of terrorism then they are greatly underestimating the risks to staff. To the best of our knowledge, no staff member has ever been killed or maimed by industrial action and to compare it to terrorism is not only insulting but also demonstrates the sort of priority setting that is being applied to your safety.
Not only is it insulting to Unison, but also to anyone who has actually been affected by terrorism. Our Assistant Branch Secretary, Gina O'Conner, has lost several family members killed by terrorists and was deeply offended.
The question has to be asked: who is responsible for this? Who put so little thought into this? Or is it a true reflection of how industrial relations and Trade Unionists are viewed by the City Council? Both are unacceptable.
Come on Westminster - get your act together!
