“We’re locked out of the ‘recovery’ – and we deserve a decent pay rise.”
That was the message which clearly rang out across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this Wednesday lunchtime as local government and school workers staged protests featuring free lollipops (Barnsley) and samosas (Wolverhampton) alongside the more traditional placards, banners and balloons.
It was all part of a continuing campaign for a decent pay rise by workers who have been offered just 1% after years of seeing their pay frozen.
As a result, they are:
- locked out of the economic recovery – having borne the brunt of the cuts;
- locked out of negotiations – employers won’t talk to them or join the union for independent arbitration through ACAS
- locked out of taking a full part in society – at this time of year, unable to afford holidays and struggling to meet the cost of new school uniforms.
As well as protests and rallies, the campaign includes lobbying councillors and MPs to get talks underway and the dispute resolved.
The UNISON members took strike action on 10 July and another day’s strike is planned for 14 October – and they will be turning out in force at the TUC-organised demonstrations in London, Scotland and Belfast on 18 October.
Staff feel they have shown commitment to keep services running at a time of unprecedented cuts and attacks – now they are asking for a commitment to decent pay from councils and government.
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