Breaking News: UNISON issues notice of strike action across Barnet Council Mental Health social work teams.
Earlier this week UNISON formally notified Barnet Council of the dates of strike action for our Barnet UNISON Mental Health Social Workers who voted 100% for strike action.
The strike timetable is as follows:
Week One: Tuesday 26 September
Week Two: Tuesday 3 October, Wednesday 4 October
Week Three: Tuesday 10 October, Wednesday 11 October, Thursday 12 October
The strike ballot is in relation to the chronic staffing issues across frontline mental health social work teams in Barnet Council.
“Adult mental health social workers have the same qualifications, same skills and the same retention problems as children’s workers. The only difference is the value that Barnet is choosing to place on its workers and the value it places on providing mental health services that are staffed to meet the needs of Barnet’s residents.” Barnet UNISON Mental Health social worker.
“Our members are showing the same commitment to the profession they love as Junior Doctors to theirs in taking strike action. Drastic action is needed to keep Mental Health services safe and viable for them and service users. The service needs staff with experience. Currently no one is sticking around because the levels of stress and pay are simply not worth it. Our members are absolutely doing the right thing.” Helen Davies, Branch Chair, Barnet UNISON.
“I want to pay tribute to our brave Barnet UNISON members who have decided ‘Enough is Enough!’ We are in the worst Cost of Living Crisis in 76 years, the current pay for social workers doesn’t reflect the level of training and knowledge needed to be able to put up with the escalating levels of stress in a workplace which has been starved of resources due to 13 years of Tory Austerity (the first 5 years under a Coalition Government). When staff are asked ‘Have you considered leaving your current role within London Borough of Barnet in the last few months’ and 100% of staff reply YES, then Barnet Council needs to listen and submit a proposal that shows our members the respect they deserve.” John Burgess, Branch Secretary Barnet UNISON.
End.
Notes to Editors.
Contact details: Barnet UNISON on 0208 359 2088 or email: contactus@barnetunison.org.uk
Background:
Breaking News: 100% vote by Mental Health Social Workers for strike action
Breaking News: Barnet Council Mental Health social workers to be balloted for strike action.
UNISON calls for urgent action over chronic shortages of frontline Mental Health social workers.