We are voting on strike action over low pay!

Every year the trade unions that represent local government workers, UNISON, Unite and GMB negotiate with the national employers over pay increases. 

From 2010 until 2021 there were no pay increases as part of ‘austerity’

Since then we have had pay awards but they have still be lower than inflation which means an annual pay cut in real terms

This is why we are saying we have lost 20% of our pay in real terms since 2010. 

The unions have put in for a claim for 10%

We are arguing that Local government is facing a recruitment and retention crisis, and this is down to low pay. 94% of councils report recruitment/retention difficulties; one in five teaching assistant posts is unfilled. 

Our claim is affordable. If the Government were to fund our claim in full, it would recoup more than half of the outlay through increased tax revenue and reduced spending on benefits and tax credits. Failure to fund our claim is a political choice on the part of the Government, and we need them to change course 

So we need the employers to make an improved offer, and we need the Government to fund it. 

The national employers rejected the 10% claim and offered 3.3% instead

Now UNISON is balloting its members in local government for strike action, other unions are looking to take action too.

Lambeth UNISON Is doing its part!  We need members to get involved in the campaign, make clear they’re prepared to fight for better pay, and vote YES for action!

The postal ballot is running from 9 July until 6 August. You can join UNISON until 23 July and get to vote.