What was our Pay Claim for 2024?
Within our 2024 claim, we asked the employers for a pay increase of £3,000 or 10%, whichever was greater. In addition to our headline claim the TU Side is also calling on the employer to review the gender, ethnicity and disability pay gaps in local government - and to work with us to resolve any issues this reveals. We are also asking for a reduction to the working week along with an additional day of annual leave for personal or well-being purposes (with term time only staff also receiving a full day rather than a pro rata amount, that they can use at any time, including term time). The Trade Union side reiterates its call for joint work on a new contract model for term time only workers, bringing in 52 week contracts and pay for those that want them.
Can a school still open if Support Staff Strike?
It depends how many staff are on strike. Numbers within a classroom have to be safe and manageable. Other staff should not be asked to pick up the duties of striking staff and agency staff cannot be brought in to cover the duties of striking staff. So, for instance, if TAs are the only staff covering First Aid and all TAs are on strike school could open because there would be no First Aid provision. That’s why we need people who are not members to join.
Would the union be able to give any financial help to members who strike for pay loss?
We currently have £35 million in our strike fund and we can pay strike pay up to £50 a day. However we are balloting 400,000 members , potentially that means a maximum strike pay of £20 million per day. However we are clear we do not want members to be forced financially to accepting poverty pay. I cannot say what form any action will take, but it is likely to involved more targeted action, such as specific employers or job role, where we would look to provide financial support.
Are people likely to be blacklisted or impaired for future promotion etc if they openly strike? There is a stigma about striking which probably dates back to the miner’s striking in the 80s. How does striking today differ from then?
I think we can say with some confidence that it is highly unlikely that there will be any blacklisting of striking workers in Wirral Council. As regards a stigma towards striking, I know that the Tory party and sections will seek to stir this up. However I think recent strikes over the last couple of years have shown that actually the public support workers taking strike action. Ultimately members will decide whether they wish to take strike action; but we know that the only way we can increase of pay is if we get a vote for action.
FYI Wirral Met balloted for strike a couple of years ago and were successful. Since that time they have been successful in pay claims – this year they were offered 7.7% without question. Same with Magenta Housing, they were offered £2,500.
How long would we have to strike for – or will it be a one day lightning strike?
I cannot say how long any action will take, as that very much depends on the employer and government coming up with a better offer; as they have done recently with junior doctors and train drivers. We would hope to have the ballot results through by mid October and if the Government are aware that strike action is imminent they may have a prepared offer to prevent this that is reflected in the end of October budget. Labour are keen to avoid striking as has been shown by the recent settlements that have been made since they came in to power.
What will Strike Action look like?
We do not yet know what form any action will take, as we will need to await the result. The ballot is being conducted as a disaggregated ballot, which means each employer (e.g. Wirral Council), will be a separate ballot. Our negotiating committee will consider what action when we know how many and which employers have taken action. There are strategic ways of striking.
Will striking affect my pension?
There will be a minor affect on pensions but it is that – minor. Also, voluntary contributions can be made to make up the difference if you feel the need.
I’m not a member of Unison, can I strike?
You are not legally protect if you take strike action and are not a member of the union. You can join the union up until 3rd October to get a vote on pay.
When does the ballot end?
The timeline around the ballot is as follows
Ballot opens 4th September
New Members can join until 3rd October to vote
Ballot closes 10am 16th October
I have not received my ballot paper, where is it?
Are your details correct? Have you checked? Ring branch and update them or go online. If your details are incorrect they will need to be updated and you need to ring the ballot hotline to have a ballot paper reissued to the correct address. 0800 0 857 857
How can I help?
You can volunteer as a pay contact for your place of work. This means putting up posters, speaking to your colleagues, sharing social media posts. Contact the branch and volunteer. 0151 666 3040
Published on: September 10, 2024