Carers threaten to strike over pay row
Hundreds of “undervalued and underpaid” carers will reluctantly walk away from their clients unless an improved pay offer is tabled by Renfrewshire Council.
Trade union the GMB has confirmed its members have voted in favour of strike action in response to the local authority’s alleged attempts to drive through new job roles and pay grading without agreement.
The new proposals, union chiefs argue, fail to recognise the crucial role, skills and specialist experience care staff have garnered since the last review of roles was completed in 2007.
They would see carers offered just 67p extra an hour. That is despite the fact they now look after people with complex needs, are responsible for administering medication, complete additional paper work and are often responsible for liaising with social work, NHS teams and other healthcare professionals.
Some carers in Renfrewshire are paid as little as £12.29 per hour, with the new rate proposed at £12.96.
GMB Scotland says industrial action is now inevitable unless the council addresses carers’ concerns.
Kirsten Muat, GMB Scotland organiser, said “Our members work in care providing crucial frontline support to some of the most vulnerable people in their communities.
“They only want their work to be fairly evaluated and properly rewarded and have been asked to wait far too long for that to happen.
“Renfrewshire Council must understand the frustration of our members at being undervalued and underpaid for so long.
“This is difficult, physically demanding work requiring skills, knowledge, experience and an absolute commitment to those people needing care and support.”
She added: “Unless the council job evaluate and pay our members fairly, and agree appropriate back pay, GMB members working in Renfrewshire home care will be taking industrial action.”
The GMB is now calling on Renfrewshire Council to return to the negotiating table and work with unions to come up with a pay structure that recognises care workers’ value and service to the community.
The dispute follows Renfrewshire Council’s first review of carer roles, responsibilities and pay in 16 years.
In a ballot held earlier this year 100 per cent of Renfrewshire carers said they supported strike action on a 78 per cent turn out.
The news comes after fellow union Unison also confirmed it too is balloting its members on a potential walk out.
The Renfrewshire branch of the public sector last week hosted Unison general secretary Christina McAnea who met carers to discuss their concerns.
Mark Ferguson, Unison Renfrewshire branch secretary, said he too expected his members to support the motion.
“We have had a lot of consultation with our members in recent weeks and that indicates that we too are likely to get a mandate for industrial action,” he said.
“Our members really aren’t happy with this situation and want a fair valuation of their jobs and back pay to reflect that.”
The Unison ballot closes on March 5.
A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: “We are continuing to engage and work with the trade unions on this matter.”
They only want their work to be fairly evaluated and properly rewarded...