Strike Update

“TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER – JOIN TODAY”

Dear Colleague

You will be aware now of the planned industrial action by UNISON and other trade unions on 30^th November 2011.  They are taking action against local government pension changes and UNISON is currently waiting on the government making further offers as has been stated in parliament.

Barnardo’s UNISON members are not involved in the industrial action as we are not in dispute with Barnardo’s, our employer and are not involved in the Local Government Pension Scheme.  As Barnardo’s employees if you were balloted it was in error and you need to update your details with UNISON online at myunison through the link below.  You will not be involved in industrial action.

For more details on the issues facing our colleagues in other branches please visit UNISON’s website UNISON | The public service trade union.  If you wish to show solidarity with striking colleagues by attending demonstrations or standing on picket lines then you may do so providing it is in your own time, for example before or after your working day or during your lunch break.   Any member who chooses to join the strike will be taking part in unofficial action and consequently will not enjoy the usual protection against dismissal afforded when taking part in official action and may risk disciplinary action.

If you are not working that day and wish to join colleagues in demonstrations across the UK you will find details of local demonstrations on the TUC website by following links to your area.  Trades Union Congress - TUC - Britain at work

If you work in a building where there are colleagues involved in the strike then you can again offer your support by talking to them or supporting any action in your own time.  It is worth flagging up any concerns that you may have with a reduction in the other staffing within your workplace with your line manager at this stage.  If your workplace is open then you should only undertake your normal duties and should declining any requests to carry out duties normally done by colleagues on strike – for example, teaching assistants should not cover the work of teachers unless it is already part of your existing contract. 

If your workplace is being picketed you can again discuss this with your line manager and potentially agree another base to work from that day.  

If you are required to attend your normal place of work which is affected by strike action then you will need to attend as normal.  UNISON advice is that you talk to your manager now about alternatives.  Talk to your manager about the H&S safety impact of working in a building with reduced staffing and the H&S implications of having to cross a picket line. 

Members Application Form

Kind regards

Simon McGowan

UNISON Barnardo's Branch.

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