Pay Fair for Patient Care: Serco Strike

Serco strike action

• Is strike action lawful?

  Yes.

  Strike action organised by a trade union is lawful provided certain tough conditions are met. We’ve made sure that all of these have been met and independently overseen. That includes a formal postal ballot to strike, with an overwhelming majority voting in favour; and a majority of members taking part.

• When are we striking?

  The strike will start at 7am on Monday 16 September 2024 for a period of 48 hours.

  The strike finishes at 7am on Wednesday 18 September 2024.

  We will have pickets at the main entrance to Great Western Hospital, Swindon.

• Do I have to go on strike?

  We are a democratic union, so we make decisions like whether to take strike action together in a vote. All members are expected to respect the outcome of the vote.

  Members have voted overwhelmingly for strike action and all colleagues are asked to take part so we can win this dispute. Every member who does not undermines your collective strength and bargaining power and makes it harder for you to win what you deserve.

  Ultimately it is up to each person to decide whether they are going to support the strike. If you are unsure whether you intend to take part, please let your local rep know and they can discuss any concerns you might have.

• Do I have to tell my manager that I’ll be on strike?

  No. You have no legal obligation to inform your manager or employer that you will take strike action in advance. If you do, they will probably try and find cover for you to undermine the effectiveness of the strike. We want to show the effect of staff not being in work and demonstrate to senior management just how much they need us all.

  If you are asked your manager whether you are taking strike action you could simply respond “I have been advised by my union I have no legal obligation to inform you”. 

  If you are asked when you go back to work after a strike whether you took part in strike action, you should always answer honestly.

• Won’t I be fired or picked on if I go on strike?

  You have double protection.

  Firstly, UNISON has carried out a lawful statutory ballot for strike action. The law protects any workers from dismissal whilst taking part in lawful industrial action at any time within 12 weeks of the start of action, and dismissal may also be unfair if it takes place later.

  Secondly, members of UNISON have the full protection of the union when taking lawful industrial action, and we take zero tolerance approach to our members being treated unfairly for exercising their rights.

• I’m worried about my finances if I take strike action, what help can I get?

  We understand that taking strike action will have a negative effect on your finances, but the importance of winning this dispute cannot be understated.

  What’s more, all UNISON members have access to our strike fund which entitles you to up to £50 per day (or your full pay if you earn less than that).

  Payments will be made via the Branch. You will need to show proof you have taken strike action, such as signing the picket register on the picket line/sending an email to confirm you have taken strike action and sending a copy of your pay slip showing the strike deductions and a pay slip showing your usual pay.

• What if I take annual leave on a strike day?

  If you take annual leave on a strike day you are not considered to be taking in the strike action. If you can, please postpone your leave so that you can take part in the action.

• I am scheduled to do overtime on a strike day – what should I do?

  Please do not accept any overtime for the period of the strike action.

  If you have already accepted overtime, then please cancel your shift in line with the local policy/procedure.

• My shift starts before the strike begins – what do I do?

  You should only strike during the 48 hours of action. For example, if your shift starts at 6 am on Monday you will need to work the first hour of your shift and then leave at 7am to participate in the strike.

• My shift finishes after the strike has concluded – what do I do?

  You should only strike during the 48 hours of action.  If your shift ends once the strike concludes then you should resume your shift. For example, the strike finishes at 7am but your shift does not end until 10am then you should return to work after 7am to conclude your shift.

• We provide health services; I don’t want patients to suffer.

  Serco does not provide “life and limb” services so we will not be agreeing any exemptions with Serco.

  Striking is always a last resort however it is our aim to disrupt the running of Serco services for the duration of the strike.  This is how we will put pressure on Serco to pay up.

• If the lump sum is paid or there is a written commitment to pay, will the strike be cancelled?

  If Serco pay the lump sum or give us a written commitment that it will be paid in a reasonable time scale then we can withdraw the threat of strike action.

• I’ve never been on strike before. What can I expect?

  Don’t worry if you’ve never taken strike action before. On the day, if you can make it to the pickets outside your workplace, you’ll be met by our reps and other members. But remember, if you are striking, you can’t use any Serco facilities or set foot on their property.

  Picket lines are friendly and it’s a great atmosphere seeing colleagues and meeting new people. Seeing how much the public support us by tooting their horns or coming up for a chat is great.

  The more of us turnout, the more pressure there is on the employer.

  We’d love for you to join us, so please do come along if you can.

• What are the guidelines on picketing?

  Picketing is a lawful activity where we stand outside our workplace and peacefully persuade colleagues and others to join us and not to go in to work.

  Pickets should wear an armband, which will be provided on the day.

  Placards and posters should be displayed stating ‘OFFICIAL PICKET.’

  The branch will be in touch with members about picketing. and volunteers for the picket line will be advised about what to do.

  Each picket line will have a ‘Lead Picket’ who is an experienced trade union activist, and in contact on the day with our UNISON regional office.

• I’ve got a question that isn’t answered here!

  We have tried to cover the main questions in this document but if you need to ask us something else then please do get in touch on 01225 927961 or wahbunison@gmail.com

  There is also further information on taking industrial action on the UNISON website which you can find by following this link.

  Industrial Action