Strike action called off as pay cut plans put on hold
Care workers in Bath and North East Somerset have called off strike action after an agreement was reached to put plans to cut their pay on hold. Sirona has halted its plans to restructure working patterns that would leave carers “owing” bosses 30 minutes of work per shift. The agreement between Unison and Sirona Care & Health came after Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) council referred the issue to its health and wellbeing scrutiny panel, which is expected to meet at the end of September. Unison South West regional organiser John Drake said: “Coming to this agreement after the council’s decision makes sense. “Care workers can now focus on delivering compassionate care for some of the most vulnerable members of society. “This decision does not mean the issue is resolved, but it’s an opportunity to reflect on the issue and seek alternative solutions.” It had previously been revealed that the highest paid director of the healthcare company at the centre of an ongoing pay dispute received more than £150,000 last year. Sirona bosses want workers to accept a half an hour pay out of each shift, or accrue a 30-minute “debt” per shift which they would have to work for free at a later date – a change which could result in them losing £1,200 from their salaries. Unison, which is supporting the strike action by about 120 care workers, revealed the highest paid director received £154,138 in 2016/17 “in respect of emoluments”, according to Sirona’s annual accounts. The company explained the figure included the director’s salary as well as pension contributions totalling £17,332 and employers’ costs such as national insurance. Unison claims the director’s pension contributions alone are higher than the annual wage of the majority of its care workers. John Drake, the union’s South West regional organiser, said: “Many care support staff would have to work for more than 12 years to even get close to that level of wage [paid to the top director]”. Simon Knighton, chairman of Sirona care and health, defended the director’s pay and called the union’s broadside “unfair”. Mr Knighton said: “Our directors lead an organisation of 1,193 staff with an annual turnover of over £65million. My team could earn significantly more in the private sector but have chosen to work for Sirona and dedicate themselves to public service. I do not feel it appropriate to disclose the individual salaries of any of our staff. However, I can confirm that the highest paid director is paid towards the bottom end of the lowest 25 per cent of salaries for comparable organisations. This ranges from £117,500 to £137,500.” Pay talks began in June as Sirona says it needs to save £170,000 because the council has cut the amount it pays the company to provide care to local residents.