Thanks to James from Unison for this update on today’s strike action. Ed
UNISON trade union members within Hampshire and the Isle of Wight today joined probation members across the country in staging a strike over pay.
The two hour walk-out began at 8am this morning and finished at 10am. The action has emphasized the need for the employer to continue meaningful negotiations with the union to develop a positive outcome.
Industrial action a last resort
UNISON Regional Organiser, James Smith said:
“Industrial action is very much a last resort and not something that UNISON members consider lightly. We know how committed our members are to their job, but the probation employers are taking members’ loyalty for granted.
“Our members undertake particularly stressful and distressing jobs, have undergone huge internal reorganisations and received year after year of insulting pay freezes. They demonstrated today that enough is enough.”
Portsmouth picket line
A picket line was formed at the 52 Isambard Brunel site in central Portsmouth where staff protested against the employer’s 2014 pay proposal of 0% increase in pay for the vast majority of probation staff. They received support from Portsmouth Trades Council and UNISON Portsmouth City Branch representatives.
The only pay increase that probation staff have seen in five years was just a 1% increase during 2013. Inflation has cut the value of probation employees pay by 16% since 2010 as staff have seen the cost of living far outstrip their frozen pay.
With the Conservative-led government revealing a four year 1% cap in pay rises for all public sector workers’ within their budget announcement last week, staff wages are set to continue to fall in value for several years to come.
Member: “Disappointed by the derisory 0% pay offer made”
A UNISON member who wished to remain anonymous said:
“We are disappointed by the derisory 0% pay offer made in December 2014. Given the work we do and the changes we have encompassed this is a real devaluation of our professional role and a huge demotivator.
“So despite the rhetoric of congratulations on our achievements – this is not reflected in any pay award.”
The probation service has recently undergone a massive transformation called ‘Transforming Rehabilitation’ resulting in the creation of two new organisations and an exposure to privatisation of public services.
Image: © UNISON
