COST OF LIVING CRISIS - BRANCH UPDATE

Dear Member,
We're hearing on a daily basis from members who are really struggling with the cost of living crisis. It's no exaggeration when we say that a growing number of our membership are having to make some really difficult decisions just to get through daily life. Dedicated public services workers should not have to choose between heating their homes, putting petrol in their vehicles or food on the table. This situation is not just unacceptable - it's a disgrace and entirely preventable!

As your Trade Union we can assure you that we are working tirelessly on all fronts to put pressure on those in power who can change the current situation.

So, what have we been doing?

We've been engaged in discussions with the Local authority on how we can work together to address the issues that are having the most immediate impact on our members at the moment. We recently undertook a survey of our membership to ask their views on how they have been affected by the cost of living crisis. We will be sharing this information with the local authority and the new Leader and Cabinet as we believe that a Home Working allowance is needed to address the significant rise in energy prices being experienced. Energy increases are affecting everyone but working from home is increasing these costs. We are clear - work shouldn't cost the employee!

The mileage rate is another cause for concern right now without a doubt. At the moment HMRC set the rates and the Chancellor of the Exchequer has failed to increase the current 45p rate despite pressure from trade unions and other parties to do so. But this doesn't mean to say that we can't vary these rates at a local level which we believe is badly needed. We are pushing for this to be done and for it to be increased to a level which is more reflective of the current cost of fuel.

We also intend to have discussions on our minimum rates of pay. Rhondda Cynon Taff and Swansea councils have both introduced a minimum £10 per hour rate of pay. We want to see this implemented in Caerphilly as this will help some of our lowest paid members of staff. If it can be done in other local authorities there's no reason why it can't be done here.

On a national level, we're waiting for a response from the Employers Side to our 2022 pay claim. We've asked for a flat rate pay increase of £2,000 or the current RPI rate, whichever is the greater, which will mean that everyone gets an increase and those on the lowest pay bands will get the boost so badly need. BUT, and it's a big BUT, we can't achieve a fair pay settlement without YOU getting involved. We know a pay rise is needed now more than ever - don't you agree?

Industrial action is the very last thing we want to do as a Union but if we need to take action we certainly will not shy away from it. However, the mechanisms to take action are very prescriptive because of the restrictions placed on Unions under the UK Trade Union Act. For us to be able to fight for the pay you deserve we need a 50% turnout - last year we got just over 14%! If we were to ballot it's really important that whichever way you feel you want to vote, that you VOTE. It's one cross in a box; it's one trip to the post box but a massive difference to you and everyone's pay packet.

Over the coming weeks we're planning to hold 'Unison Matters' webinars to share with you the details of the pay claim and to keep you updated on how you can get involved, and what we need you to do, so keep a check on your Inbox for more information coming soon.

And finally, being in a trade union right now has never been more important, so if you have friends and/or colleagues that you know aren't in a trade union please encourage them to join. It really is quick and easy Join UNISON today.

Lianne Dallimore
Juan-Antonio Garcia
Steve Gardiner
Caerphilly UNISON