London social care workers in strike ballot over low pay
18 Jun 2014 03:25 PM
Workers at London social care
charity, Look Ahead are being balloted for strike action this week
over proposed pay cuts of 14 per cent. The staff, members of Unite, the
union, will also hold a rally to reinforce their anger at these further cuts to
their pay this Thursday (19 June). More than 40 workers will stage the
rally at Hackney town hall, Mare Street, Hackney E8 1EA, at
15:00.
The cuts come as Look Ahead
shows growth of 12 per cent and has reserves of £61 million in the
bank. The union is also angry that the charity’s highest paid
executive received a £60,000 pay rise last year.
Unite regional officer Peter
Storey, said: “Members have been forced to take this action because
of continual cuts to their pay and would face more hardship if the proposal for
a 14 per cent cut is rammed through.
“If this proposal goes
ahead, members will have received nearly a 30 per cent cut to their pay in the
last two years.
“Our members work with
some of the most vulnerable members of the community. They are dedicated to
their clients, but they can’t afford the constant round of cuts to their
pay, while working in one of the world’s most expensive
cities.
“It is essential for
the best residential care to be properly staffed and
funded.”
Voting in the ballot started
this week and will close 23 June.
ENDS
For further information please
contact Rae Passfield at the Unite press office on 020 3371
2065.
Twitter: @unitetheunion
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