Today, more than 360,000 council and school support staff across England and Wales will start voting on whether to take strike action over pay.
Branches in the Northern Region have detailed ‘get out the vote’ plans to ensure members are engaged and turnout is as high as possible. It’s really important that, as members, you have your say on your pay offer.
From our recent consultation it is clear that the flat rate offer of £1,290 (pro rata for part time workers) from local government employers does not go far enough.
Staff have lost 25% from the value of their pay since 2010 under the Conservatives, and more than nine in ten councils report retention problems with staff. Low pay is a significant factor and our members are well aware of the recruitment and retention crisis within their workplaces as this impacts on their own workload and wellbeing.
Staff have lost 25% from the value of their pay since 2010 under the Conservatives
Enough is enough. Now social workers, teaching assistants, refuse collectors, caretakers, planning officers and other staff at more than 4,000 organisations will be asked if they’re prepared to strike to achieve a better deal. Especially given improved deals offered to other public service workers; local government and schools staff should not be left behind.
UNISON is calling for Central government to assist employers by providing stable, long-term funding settlements that allow councils and schools to retain expert staff and protect the vital services on which our communities rely.
Now is the time to send them a message that the offer must be improved and vote YES for strike action.
Please encourage your colleagues to vote and join UNISON by 3 October to receive a ballot.
Jane Shortland
Chair of UNISON Northern Local Government Service Group