Social workers and occupational therapists working for South Gloucestershire Council have voted to take strike action in a dispute over pay enhancements says UNISON today, Monday.
In the strike ballot 94% voted yes to taking action. Strike dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
UNISON has been in formal dispute with the council since July 2022 over its decision to pay a market forces supplement to staff in Childrens’ Services, but not to those doing the same jobs in Adult Services or those in the the 0-25 team.
UNISON South West regional organiser Michael Sweetman said:
“These staff are being paid thousands a year less than their colleagues doing the same jobs for the same employer.
“We support the use of market forces supplements in some circumstances, but their use should be fair, consistent, and based on clear evidence. The council’s own figures show that staff recruitment and retention is only marginally better in Adult’s than in Children’s Services, and that both are much worse than the council workforce as a whole.
“Strike action is always a last resort and we’re hoping this clear vote for action will bring the council back to the negotiating table before our members take to the picket lines.”
