UNISON has launched an industrial action ballot of over 360,000 local government and school workers in England and Wales. The ballot closes on 4 July.
After over a decade of declining pay, our members are struggling to deal with the rising cost of living despite providing a vital role in our communities.
The offer on the table does not address the challenges we face. £1,925 (with less for part time or term time staff) is nowhere near an inflation rate of 12%, which has caused public sector workers to use food banks for basic essentials.
The Conservative Government will say that’s all they can afford and our claim of 12.7% is unrealistic, but that doesn’t address the years of pay cuts and the fact that people are struggling to pay their bills due to a cost of living crisis. This is about political choices. Gas and oil companies are making eye watering profits while our schools and local authorities crumble. The Government’s failed economic strategy crashed the economy and caused mortgage rates to soar.
Enough is enough -we need to take action on pay!
UNISON will be asking members to vote YES for strike action in our ballot. I know that decision is a difficult one, but the only way we will improve things is through collective action!
Members will begin receiving red envelopes containing ballot papers this week. I urge you to return them as soon as you can. Tell your colleagues. Ask if they are a UNISON member as it’s not too late to join and have a vote.
I also encourage you to speak to your branch about how you can get involved. UNISON is your union and together we can rise up to get pay up!
Find out more about the ballot
Clare Williams