A UNION is calling on council workers to join a protest over an on-going dispute about staff safety.

Greenwich Unison will hold a 45-minute demonstration outside Woolwich Town Hall, Wellington Street, at 5.15pm on Monday.

It will come ahead of a meeting at 6pm where council chiefs and union member are to thrash out plans over security screens for workers.

Up to 600 social services workers could strike if a deal is not reached.

The dispute centres on council workers at Nelson House, Wellington Street, Woolwich, being moved to a new multi-purpose centre at Riverside House in Woolwich.

The move would see five social services receptionists working without security screens by February next year.

Unison branch secretary Onay Kasab says security screens were introduced at Nelson House in response to violent incidents and says it is ludicrous not to fit them in the new offices.

The council has agreed to employ a security guard, CCTV in the new offices, but Unison is still pressing for protective screens.

Other issues to be discussed at the meeting include inner London weighting and pay for nursery nurses and Cleansweep workers.

Mr Kasab said: "We are willing to negotiate to reach a resolution on these areas which have caused great anger amongst council employees.

"We will also not stand by while the safety of our members is compromised through the removal of security screens.

"Our members have received death threats and been attacked with chairs whilst providing a reception service.

"The council's response is to remove security screens and claim this will mean a safer working environment. Our question is how?"

A Grenwich Council spokesman said: "The council is involved in ongoing discussions with staff and trade unions in order to resolve the situation."