South Gloucestershire workers continue strike dispute

Social workers and occupational therapists (OTs) working for South Gloucestershire council are to strike twice this week. Staff will walk out for two days of action, today (Tuesday) and again on Thursday (1 June) after voting overwhelmingly for industrial action in a dispute over pay. UNISON has been in dispute with the local authority since last summer. The new dates follow three days of strike action in April. The dispute started after a decision by the council to award staff in children’s services an additional temporary £3,000 payment on top of their basic annual salary. This uplift was not offered to those doing the same job in adult services. According to the union, a quarter of local authorities are now offering these “market forces” supplements as many are facing significant problems attracting and keeping staff. But UNISON says more staff should receive the supplement. Dan Smart, branch secretary, UNISON South Gloucestershire said, “Social workers and OTs support people with some of the most challenging issues and situations in society, from domestic abuse to mental health issues. “Of course, we support pay rises for all workers, but when my colleagues and I at South Gloucestershire council found out we were to be underpaid by £3000 per year in comparison to children’s social workers, we felt insulted and angry. “Adult social workers have exactly the same qualifications as children’s and are facing very similar challenges in recruitment and rete...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article Occupational therapists social work unison south west Source Type: news