Breaking News: Official Strike ballot begins for Barnet Council Housing Repairs workers
25 August 2022.
On Thursday 25 August our Council Housing Repairs members are being balloted for strike action after talks broke down yesterday.
Their employer is called Barnet Homes, which is part of The Barnet Group, which is 100% owned by Barnet Council.
The reason for the strike is the refusal of the employer to pay sick pay to a worker who injured himself at work.
The worker is a low paid manual worker. We are not talking big money here.
The principle is an important one. When a worker is injured at work they should be in receipt of sick pay. The fact that we are in the middle of the biggest cost of living crisis in 75 years makes the decision of the employer not to pay is not just wrong but cruel.
Barnet UNISON had conducted an indicative ballot which generated a 100% turnout and a 100% vote for strike if our member is not given sick pay.
In the talks the employer seemed oblivious to the terror the cost-of-living crisis is having on their low paid staff.
We will continue to keep the door open to resolve this dispute, but the ballot has started and is due end 15 September, which means there is still time for the employer to do the right thing.
As “The Barnet Group” are owned by Barnet Council, Barnet UNISON will now escalate to Barnet Council and Barnet Labour Party to try to secure an end to this dispute.
End.
Note to Editors: Contact details: Barnet UNISON on or 020 8359 2088 or email: Helen.Davies@barnetunison.org.uk
Background:
Barnet Responsive Repairs workers referred to UNISON’s Industrial Action Committee
Barnet Council Repairs Operatives 100% turnout and 100% vote for strike action.
Barnet Council’s Company Refuse to Show Compassion for Injured Worker https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/2022/07/13/barnet-councils-company-refuse-to-show-compassion-for-injured-worker/