Sep 04

Council and school staff industrial action ballot opens

  • 4 September 2024

UNISON’s industrial action (IA) ballot for council and school staff over the 2024 pay offer opens today, Wednesday 4 September.

UNISON’s council and schools committee of leading activists are recommending that members vote ‘YES‘ for strike action and are urging them to return their ballots as soon as possible.

Members who are eligible to vote should receive a purple envelope (see below) in the post over the coming weeks. It will contain your ballot papers and a free-post envelope to return your vote.

Ballots must be returned before 10am on Wednesday 16 October.

Be on the lookout for this envelope – it contains your ballot papers
The IA ballot comes after an online consultation of members on the pay offer from the employers which saw an overwhelming vote to reject.
The offer of £1,290 fell far short of our reasonable and affordable pay claim.
Speaking on the opening of the ballot, general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“Our ballot on the NJC pay offer begins today, Wednesday 4 September, and this is your chance to have a say on whether you are prepared to take strike action.

“I fully support council and school workers being balloted. You are the backbone of our communities, delivering the essential services that keep us together, yet your pay has stagnated severely for more than a decade.

“In real terms, your pay is down by almost a third since 2010. UNISON is asking you to vote ‘Yes’ in favour of action because the pay offer from local government employers falls far short of what you need and deserve.

“The idea of taking industrial action can be daunting, but I’m here to reassure you you’re not alone. You have the backing of 1.3 million fellow UNISON members behind you. We’re with you in solidarity and support every step of the way.

“You will be receiving a purple envelope in the post over the next week which must be returned by 16 October.

“It’s crucial we gather the views of all 375,000 members being balloted. This is your chance to make your voice heard, and your vote is your voice. So please ensure you use your vote. A big turnout will help us fight for a better pay rise for all of our members in councils and schools.”

Watch and share Jon Richard’s message to members

 

The article Council and school staff industrial action ballot opens first appeared on the UNISON National site.