Barnet Outreach workers 88% turnout and a100% vote for strike action.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now, all we are asking for is fairness and respect, equal treatment like our colleagues, it is not too much to ask.” (Barnet Outreach worker)

“Happy employees = successful organisation.  Let’s do the things right” (Barnet Outreach worker)

We noted a discrepancy in pay between new starters and staff who were TUPE transferred across in 2019.

New starters are paid significantly higher (around 10% higher) than the TUPE’d staff.

We noted that the message this gives longstanding staff is that they are worth less than the new starters and also noted that if all of them resigned from their role then they would have to be hired at the new rate of pay.

TBG is undertaking an exercise to re-evaluate the roles of the TUPE’d staff but this work may only be completed by the end of July. At the time of the Emergency JNCC we did not receive a commitment to backdate any such re-evaluation to 1st July (the date the new starters began).

Trades Dispute: Failure to agree to aligning the wages of workers in Outreach Barnet with a backdate to 1st July.

‘We are already swamped in Housing Options with our caseloads, but without the great work of Outreach Barnet, we simply wouldn’t be able to cope, they make a real difference to vulnerable peoples lives.’ (Housing Options worker)

‘Barnet Outreach workers provide a service that is essential to our most vulnerable tenants to help them sustain their tenancies.’ (Sheltered Housing worker)

Barnet UNISON carried out its own consultative strike ballot.

Indicative Ballot result

Returned Ballot – 88%

Vote for strike action – 100%

Barnet UNISON has reiterated that we are still open for talks. We have agreed to a meeting on Wednesday 27 July 2022 where we hope commonsense will prevail to avoid strike action. However, because of the outcome of our consultative ballot we will be submitting our Industrial Action request to UNISON London region next week.

End.

Note to Editors: Contact details: Barnet UNISON on or 020 8359 2088 or email: Helen.Davies@barnetunison.org.uk

Background:

Out of Touch Barnet for Outreach Barnet Workers!

https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2022/07/13/out-of-touch-barnet-for-outreach-barnet-workers/