Despite the well-supported strike on July 10, the Local Government Association (LGA) Employers have so far refused to reconsider their pay offer. The Employers and Trade Union sides came together for discussion on September 11th but this did not lead to the progress hoped for.
UNISON, together with GMB and UNITE, are therefore escalating the industrial action in our members’ pay dispute by holding a second strike on October 14.
Industrial action is never taken lightly. The purpose of the strike is to demonstrate to the employers our strength of feeling over their below inflation 1% pay offer. More than 400,000 local government and school support workers are paid less than the living wage of £7.65 per hour, and one million earn less than the Coalition’s own low-pay threshold of £21,000.
It is therefore vitally important that we have a massive turnout on October 14 to ensure an improved offer on your pay. We will only have an impact if we can show that you, our members, are prepared to take action. Strike yourself but also remember to encourage your colleagues to do the same. If you have colleagues who aren’t yet members of UNISON, encourage them to join, so they can join us on October 14.
Join our picket lines!
Come along and support our picket lines on October 14. These were a great success on July 10, being very well attended. The picket lines will be at the same places, but the West Sussex Branch Committee has agreed to change the times to 7.30am-10.30am. Picket lines will be at:
- County Hall Chichester
- County Hall North Horsham
- Durban House Bognor
- Centenary House Worthing
- Glebelands Shoreham
- Crawley Library
Contact the Branch office to let us know which picket you will support.
Academy schools ballot still open
UNISON members in a wide range of West Sussex academy schools whose pay is linked to NJC rates are currently being balloted for industrial action. The ballot closes on Wednesday 24th September, so there is still time to vote if you have not already.
UNISON members in NHS say YES to strike action
NHS staff have been denied a pay rise following the Government’s decision to ignore their independent Pay Review Body’s recommendation. This means 60% of NHS staff and 70% of nurses won’t get a pay rise for the next two years.
Nearly half a million UNISON members work in the NHS, and they have also been balloted for action, with 68% voting for strike action. Other unions in health, including some such as the Royal College of Midwives who have never taken industrial action previously, are currently balloting their members with recommendations to vote for industrial action. Dates for NHS staff to take action will be announced shortly.
Frequently asked questions
UNISON has re-issued its Frequently asked questions document for October 14.
If it doesn’t answer your question, don’t hesitate to contact the Branch office.