Sirona care workers in Bath are considering further strike action after their employer Sirona rejected a counter proposal from UNISON this week, the union said today (Thursday).
Staff would have got their thirty minute break while also providing the care company with cost-saving options, according to UNISON.
However, Sirona has refused to accept the deal, and is now pushing staff on to new contracts that will result in a half an hour pay cut on each shift.
Sirona is facing a £170,000 shortfall after Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) cut its funding in 2017, but council leaders have refused to intervene to help solve the problem, says UNISON.
UNISON regional organiser John Drake said: “Bath and North East Somerset councillors need to ask themselves what they’re doing dishing out a £1,200 pay cut for these already low-paid workers. Just this week Plymouth City Council signed up to the UNISON’s ethical care charter, paying all care workers a real living wage. If Plymouth can do it, then B&NES with its huge tourism income can find £170,000 to protect these vital employees.
“These staff cannot afford to take a pay cut. Most of them are women, doing the lion’s share of caring in their own homes as well. Extra shifts are unworkable.
“We’ll be holding meetings with workers and discussing plans to take further action in the coming days. These employees are strong, and UNISON will continue to fight these cuts alongside them.”
