On my first International Women’s Day as regional secretary of the South West, I want to take a moment to say how proud I am to be regional secretary in the UK’s largest organisation for women.
Over the past few weeks, I have been honoured to join some truly inspirational women on picket lines across the South West.
On a loud picket line in Poole I met Rhian and Julia, UNISON reps at the Victoria Education Centre in Poole. They have spearheaded their dispute resulting in a substantial offer from their employer.
📣
“What do we want?”
“Fair pay!”
“When do we want it?”
“NOW!”#LivabilityStrike pic.twitter.com/zSBAqQGRz5
— UNISON South West (@UNISONSW) January 31, 2024
In North Devon I met Gemma on the picket line outside North Devon District Hospital. The determination of Gemma and over one hundred of her Sodexo colleagues has resulted in the employer caving and moving from 0% to 80%.
Gemma took action last Friday after Sodexo failed to pay her and her colleagues the lump sum payment from last year’s NHS pay award.
In March, they will take action again.
Read more 👉🏼 https://t.co/SawGnZyqMw pic.twitter.com/s0JxzmXbqk
— UNISON South West (@UNISONSW) February 23, 2024
And in Wiltshire, UNISON women have been making their voices heard as their campaign for the lump sum continues. They have taken two days of strike action so far, and are planning their next steps in the campaign.
What a turnout in Chippenham today ✊🏼
It’s time Wiltshire Health and Care pay staff the money they are owed from last year’s pay deal.
📍 Chippenham Community Hospital
📣 #PayUsWhatYouOweUs pic.twitter.com/ghk0LRO3hp— UNISON South West (@UNISONSW) February 14, 2024
With over a million remarkable women in our union, let’s celebrate our strength and keep pushing for progress.
