Blog: Unions are the solution, not the problem

Boris Johnson has pretty much refused to work ever since the cost of living crisis erupted. But we know his pay hasn’t been docked. When working people go on strike, they lose pay. It’s always a big deal, and it’s a difficult decision for any worker.  Taking a stand, withdrawing labour, and losing pay, sends a clear message to employers that they won’t be taken for granted. They won’t be exploited. They won’t put up with declining pay and standards. They won’t be used.   Workers take industrial action when they have collective strength and the backing of their union. It’s a last resort, when the hard work that goes into negotiations isn’t met with fair offers from employers.   That’s why, at our recent service group conferences and our national delegate conference, I set out in the strongest terms, that UNISON members had my full support and the backing of our whole union to challenge employers when insulting pay deals are offered.  I told everyone to get strike-ready. Being strike-ready is powerful. Look what happened in Glasgow – a successful industrial action ballot over the long-running equal pay dispute. A massive 96% of those who voted were ready to strike again and on the eve of their walkout, their employers finally saw sense. Our Glasgow members smashed through anti-trade union ballot thresholds.  Just last week, refuse collectors in Harlow also returned a successful industrial action ballot. And today, Lancashire and South Cumbria N...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article General secretary's blog Christina McAnea Source Type: news