Carersset totake action
Hard-pressed carers in Renfrewshire will implement an overtime ban on Monday as part of their first phase of industrial action.
Carers and senior support workers at Renfrewshire’s care at home service are implementing the work to rule policy next week ahead of two days of planned strike action on April 9 and 10.
Crucially, for vulnerable adults, it means carers will no longer be able to prompt them to administer or take their medication.
The move comes as part on an ongoing dispute over the grading of roles and salaries within the council’s care team, as well as long-awaited back pay.
The local authority is currently proposing a 67p pay increase, bringing the hourly rate to £12.96.
However, unions say the sum 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 organiser Kirsten Muat said the local authority has failed to properly recognise the value and responsibilities of home care workers, move them to the correct pay grade or offer to compensate them for years of underpayment.
She said: “Carers shouldn’t have to take industrial action to get paid fairly for the work they do but Renfrewshire Council has left them no choice.
“Carers have been clear with Renfrewshire Council throughout this needlessly protracted process that industrial action was inevitable unless they were properly graded and fairly paid.
“Unfortunately, the council has failed to take the opportunity to treat these vital workers fairly and avert this industrial action.
“These staff members are the foundation of care in our communities offering life-changing support for some of the most vulnerable people in Renfrewshire, many with complex medical and emotional needs.
“It does not seem too much to ask that these workers are given the pay their role and responsibilities deserve.”
Members of trade unions, the GMB and Unison, voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action including strike following ballots held earlier this month and in February.