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UNISON Ballots Members Over Pay |
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UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector trade union, today (30 May) started sending out ballot papers to its 850,000 local government members for strike action over a 2.45% pay offer.
UNISON Head of Local Government, Heather Wakefield, said:
“Our members working in local government are disappointed and angry. Four years of real pay cuts have left them choosing between putting food on the table or heating their homes this winter.
“Costs of all the basics are running high. Bread is up a massive 44%, petrol 21% and mortgage costs 8%, but for sixty percent of our members this offer means a pitiful £7.50 per week.
“By voting for a strike, 850,000 UNISON members can send a clear message to the employers that pay is an issue that will not go away. The employers must realise that world-class public services cannot be run on empty stomachs!”
A variety of council workers covered by the pay claim include care home and home care assistants, housing and environmental health officers, refuse collectors, librarians, nursery nurses, lollipop ladies and school cooks. More than sixty per cent of those covered earn just £15,825 or less annually. Seventy five per cent are women.
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