UNISON members working for Care UK took their struggle to London today, where they lobbied Bridgepoint Capital, the private equity investor that bought the company in 2010.
Care UK was handed a contract by Doncaster Council in 2013 to take over care of vulnerable people with severe learning difficulties, and has since announced that it wants to slash staff pay and conditions.
Straining to make himself heard over the sound as 53 angry members made their case outside its headquarters in posh Mayfair, UNISON regional organiser Jim Bell said that Bridgepoint Capital eventually allowed himself and a member into the building to make their case briefly.
The members were also determined to use their visit to take their case right to the heart of government at Downing Street.
General secretary Dave Prentis joined the strikers in Doncaster yesterday on their 23rd day of strike action.
Praising their “courage and self-sacrifice”, he noted that they were “also fighting to preserve a service to some of the most vulnerable people in society.”
UNISON has tried to negotiate with Care UK, which is refusing to change its position. A ballot of 150 UNISON members saw 90% voting for action and members have already taken several periods of sustained strike action, as well as action short of a strike.
The strikers will be holding a demonstration in Doncaster this Saturday, at the Civic Square, Waterdale, from 2pm, with speakers from UNISON, together with other unions and campaigners.
UNISON is asking branches to support our members by making donations to the hardship fund and to help these workers continue their fight.
Messages of support or donations should be sent to:
Yvonne Butcher, branch secretary
Doncaster District and Bassetlaw Health Branch, 20511
UNISON Office
Jenkinson House
White Rose Way
Doncaster
DN4 5GJ
For more information, please contact Jim Bell, regional organiser. Yorkshire and Humberside, at j.bell@unison.co.uk
‘Fighting for the soul of the country’
