Environment Agency workers across the country walked out yesterday, in their second day of strike action over pay this year.
UNISON’s head of environment, Donna Rowe-Merriman, said: “EA members will not be ignored on the issue of pay any longer. They have taken strike action to ensure their issues are recognised by the public – and by their employer.
“Our members will not be pushed from pillar to post – they want action from this government to resolve pay, now, for their families and to prevent more staff from leaving the agency.
“The onus lies with the chancellor – to allow the agency to engage fully with the EA trade unions to seek a resolution for the 2022/23 pay round, and to ensure that a robust process is in place for 2023/24 pay discussions.”
Photographer Marcus Rose was on hand at the Environment Agency’s Marsham Street offices in London, where UNISON and Prospect members were picketing.
Some highlights from the rest of the country
It’s starting to warm up! Great support for our picket at Canterbury today. #EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/r81joqkWVE
— Unison EA South (@UnisonEAsouth) February 8, 2023
UNISON & Prospect standing together on the Leeds picket line – it's a beautiful thing!#EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/w5Y6OeArAt
— UNISON Environment Agency Yorks & Ne (@UnisonEAYorks) February 8, 2023
It was a brilliant show of strength and feeling across the EA. We will continue the fight until our members get what they deserve 👊#EAFairPay @unisontheunion @ProspectUnion https://t.co/HnkhA98q0V pic.twitter.com/TQqJGqAdzY
— Greg Marshall (@Greg4Broxtowe) February 8, 2023
Out early on the UNISON and @ProspectUnion picket lines in Essex, Sheffield and Shrewsbury
Environment agency workers play an invaluable role in protecting the environment and tackling the #ClimateCrisis
#EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/2vFuzdlTnS
— UNISON – UK's largest union (@unisontheunion) February 8, 2023
🗂 UNISON
🗂 Things we love to see
🗂 Unions picketing together📍 Manley House, Exeter#EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/80Ap5lEgP5
— UNISON South West (@UNISONSW) February 8, 2023
More photos from the Environment Agency strike in Newcastle today. Lots of public support and beeping of horns.
Workers are on strike over a pitiful 2% pay offer that goes nowhere near helping with the cost of living.#EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/7B8zYwog8b
— UNISON Northern (@NorthernUNISON) February 8, 2023