Council carers to go on strike

Carers looking after some of the most vulnerable people in Renfrewshire are to abandon their roles next month as they stage a two-day strike.

Trade unions the GMB and Unison have this week confirmed hundreds of care staff who support people living in their own homes will halt work on April 9-10.

It is not currently clear how Renfrewshire Council will ensure the safety of hundreds of clients dependent on carers during the walk out.

The industrial action – which also includes an overtime ban – comes amidst an ongoing dispute with the council over jobs, grades and salaries.

The local authority is currently proposing a 67p pay increase, bringing the hourly rate to £12.96.

However, unions say the fee fails to recognise the crucial role, skills and specialist experience care staff have garnered since the last review of roles was completed in 2007.

They are now supporting people with complex needs, are responsible for administering medication, completing additional paper work and are often responsible for liaising with social work, NHS teams and other healthcare professionals.

GMB representative in home care, Fiona O’Brien, said staff have had enough of being underpaid and undervalued.

“I’m striking to get a fair wage and recognition, for myself and my colleagues,” she told the Express.

“I’ve been working in care for the council for nearly eight years. It used to be a good job and you were proud to work for the council, but since then more and more is being expected and the pay isn’t keeping up with the cost of living. We all feel our goodwill is taken advantage of and staff morale is the lowest I’ve ever seen.”

Home carers, home care – extra care, and senior support workers are all involved in the industrial action which won over 90 per cent of the vote in workplace ballots.

It will also apply to staff seconded to Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

The work to rule motion will come into effect on March 25 and result in a mass reduction in staff willing to take on additional shifts.

Kirsten Muat, GMB organiser, said: “For years GMB members in care have been caring for the most vulnerable people in the community. It’s physically, technically, and emotionally difficult work, supporting people with a large variety of complex medical conditions.

“They are the backbone of the community and their pay needs to reflect that. Renfrewshire Council need to move carers to the right pay grade and give them compensation for the years they have been underpaid.”

Mark Ferguson, secretary of the Renfrewshire branch of Unison (below), said his colleagues would “not stop” until this predominantlyfemale workforce gets the pay and recognition it deserves.

He said: “Our members have voted overwhelmingly for strike action – enough is enough. All they are asking for is a fair job evaluation result and the back money they are owed. This is a last resort for our dedicated home care workers who deliver essential services to our vulnerable and elderly.

“We will not stop until this predominantlyfemale workforce receives everything they are entitled to. Once again, women are having to fight for equality. I call upon the employer to get around the negotiating table and settle this dispute.”

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council told the Express: “We are aware of the proposed action and continue to engage with the trade unions in respect of this

dispute.”

We feel our goodwill is being taken advantage of

They are the backbone of the community Kirsten Muat