Environment Agency workers to strike for the first time, says UNISON

Thousands of Environment Agency workers in England will strike for the first time later this month in a significant escalation of their dispute over pay, says UNISON today (Thursday). Workers who maintain important safety structures such as the Thames Barrier, coastal sea defences and those protecting communities from floods, water pollution, spills, waste fires and fly-tipping will walk out on Wednesday 18 January from 8am to 5pm. The strike comes at a time of year when extreme weather is more likely to hit the country, warns UNISON. Last month, thousands of workers started working to rule for an indefinite period. This means they are working only their contracted hours, taking all their scheduled breaks and full rest time between shifts. Employees also refused to volunteer to be ‘on call’ and deal with live incidents last month and over sections of the festive period. This will be the first time Agency workers have gone on strike in the organisation’s history, but the employer’s failure to give a decent pay rise has left them with no alternative, says UNISON. The Agency is also struggling with high vacancy rates meaning those in post are having to deliver even more to ensure communities and the environment are safe. Last November, workers were given an inadequate pay rise of just 2% – less than a fifth of the lowest current measure of inflation – plus a £345 payment, after years of wages falling further behind rising costs, says the union. Where there is a thre...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: News Press release Donna Rowe-Merriman environment agency Source Type: news