Dear member
If you are employed by Westminster City Council, City West Homes or a school, you are no doubt aware UNISON members in these organisations have been called to take strike action on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th July 2008. This decision was taken by a democratic process and we must now build for a strong strike over these days. To this end it is essential that all UNISON members take strike action and build for massive disruption on the 16th and 17th.
The 2.45% offer simply does not add up and is quite clearly a pay cut. Even the governments skewed measure of inflation was announced to be running at 3.8% today and many academics, politicians and economists are saying that the true figure is more like to 10%. This has a knock on effect for Westminster City Council staff who are affected by the local pay and reward negotiations, as a below inflation deal instantly devalues the new scheme
1. Picket Lines
In order to guarantee media coverage of our campaign, it is absolutely vital that you attend the picket line at your workplace or join one of the major picket lines at City Hall, Council House and Lisson Grove. We shall be running 2 shifts:
- Shift 1 - 07:30 to 09:30
- Shift 2 - 09:30 to 12:00
To put your name on a picket rota email strikeinfo@westminsterunison.org.uk
A vibrant well attended picket line is as important as the withdrawal of labour during industrial action. A strike is not annual leave!
Please remember you must not physically prevent staff from entering their place of work, but you should approach anyone attempting to cross with a leaflet and ask them to join UNISON and strike. Even if they join on the day they are legally allowed to join our strike!
It is vital that we attempt to persuade all staff not to cross UNISON's picket lines. Click here for information on why all UNISON members should strike! There will be placards, leaflets, posters and armbands all designed to make your picket more successful.
WORKING FROM HOME IS NOT STRIKE ACTION!
2. Join the March and Rally on Wednesday!
UNISON and Unite have arranged a join rally and march which we will be attending after picket duties on Wednesday. For more information click here.
3. Recruit!
We have recruited over 150 new members in the last few weeks leading up to the strike but we can do more! We must use this pay claim as a recruitment tool on the ground and in our workplaces. Talk to non-members, (they will be among the beneficiaries of this action) ask them why they haven't joined, give them an application form. Our strength is our numbers we cannot pass up this opportunity to increase our strength!
For recruitment materials click here.
We will give you a free ipod if you recruit 5 members or more and we are offering the first months subscription for free!
4. Post comments on your experiences, videos and pictures of the strike action in Westminster!
To post your take on the day of action on google maps and read messages of support and solidarity for other trade unionists all around the world - click this link: www.unison.org.uk/paymatters/map.asp
Finally, nobody likes to lose pay, but it is vital that we send a clear message to the employers. We cannot accept yet another below inflation pay increase. We settled last year and now is the time to take up the fight, here in Westminster.
Local Government workers have suffered through this period of efficiency savings and endless reorganisations. Our council has consistently been judged excellent by its peers. It's time for that excellence to be reflected in our cost of living increases.
See you on the picket line!
Phil Vaughan
BRANCH SECRETARY
