Commenting on the launch today (Tuesday) of a government consultation into minimum service levels for schools during strikes, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“If school workers were paid properly, strikes would be rare.
“The government hasn’t invested in essential services or their workforces. Industrial action is often the only option if staff are to have any hope of keeping pay at decent levels, and sparing schools an endless recruitment nightmare.
“No one strikes at a whim. It means losing a day’s pay and few can afford that. Strikes remain a last resort, with workers forced to jump through multiple hoops to exercise their legal right.
“Yet these measures could prevent some school staff from ever striking again. That’s not the behaviour of a democratic government.
“This legislation is a desperate attempt to prop up a government that’s lost the plot. Ministers would rather pick fights with unions and appease their right-wing backbenchers than improve the country.
“The best way to boost education and public services across the board is to get rid of this failed government.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
