Dear colleague
Call for action
Branches and members have now received the results of the ballot over the employers’ NJC pay offer.
As a result of the YES vote, the Industrial Action Committee has given the go-ahead for strike action on 10 July.
Having won a YES vote for action, we now need to make sure that the strike is strong and effective and achieves our aim of making the employers come back to the negotiating table.
Taking strike action is not an easy decision for members or this union.
We prefer to do what we do best – provide quality services for the public. But UNISON members – along with GMB and Unite – have decided that ‘enough is enough’ and that strike action is necessary to make the employers see sense.
We need you as stewards and reps who are in daily contact with members to work with us to get the maximum possible turnout.
We know that members already struggling with the expense of new school uniforms or household bills might wonder whether losing pay in a strike is worth it.
We have to convince them that it’s the strength of turnout that will make the strike successful.
Please make sure that all members know that declining earnings are a problem for the future, not just the present.
Use our campaign briefing to show them the dramatic impact of pay cuts on pensions.
And remind them of the cuts to pay and conditions that have taken place at local level too – spurred on by the LGA employers.
You can let low paid members know about the availability of hardship funds as part of encouraging them to strike.
Tell members that a large turnout will send a clear message to the employers that they must improve their offer and show members the respect they deserve.
UNISON will be putting all its resources into making sure that our members on NJC pay and conditions – the worst in the public sector – make this action a huge success and get the employers back to the negotiating table.
Please support your union – together we can make a difference.
Best wishes
Dave Prentis
UNISON general secretary