Public services pay freeze – UNISON takes the fight to Tory MPs

UNISON is working with the TUC and other public service trade unions to put pressure on Tory MPs in ‘red wall’ seats ahead of the budget on 3 March, urging them to support the campaign against the government’s proposed public services pay freeze. A series of online constituency lobbies will be held in the week beginning Monday 22 February, at which our members and those of other unions will tell their MPs about the reality of working in public services through the pandemic. At the end of the meeting the MPs will be asked to sign a letter, on behalf of their public service constituents, to the chancellor Rishi Sunak. This is the latest in a series of actions that form the campaign to persuade the government to abandon its unjust pay freeze – which, because of inflation, will amount to a pay cut. UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea wrote to the Treasury in November, rejecting the pay freeze and seeking urgent clarification on the scope of the minimum £250 that the chancellor said would be available to all those earning under £24k. She also sought assurances that pay increases, including that promised to NHS staff, will be fully funded. The insulting failure to respond will be raised with MPs at the lobby. Said Ms McAnea: “UNISON members have given so much to keep our communities going during the pandemic. The pay freeze is a slap in the face to them. It’s morally wrong. “They cared for all us throughout these difficult months. Th...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News pay freeze Source Type: news