ONE COUNCIL. ONE WORKFORCE. EQUAL TERMS.

Anti - Racism, Austerity, Barnet Homes, Cost of Living Crisis, Insourcing, Local, London Living Wage, News, Repairs, Solidarity, TBG Flex, Trades Dispute, UNISON Campaign, Your Choice Barnet

ONE COUNCIL. ONE WORKFORCE. EQUAL TERMS.

First day of strike action: Tuesday 27 October

15 October 2026

The first day of strike action for all UNISON members at The Barnet Group will be Tuesday 27 October. It will be a 24 hour strike.

Thank you to everyone who voted. A 55% turnout and 88% voting yes gives us a clear mandate.

Talks have opened

Since the ballot, communication has opened up with the Group Chief Executive of TBG. He has agreed to review London Living Wage timing, annual leave and overtime. That is a step forward, but it does not go far enough.

We would much rather settle this dispute. On 15 October I wrote back to him with the points we want TBG to address:

  • Working week. Parity with LBB colleagues on 36 hours, instead of the 37.5 hours TBG Flex staff work now.
  • Annual leave. Movement towards 31 days.
  • Sick pay. Sick pay on LBB terms, with an indicative cost.
  • Overtime and night rates. A review that covers night, weekend and bank holiday rates, with a date for proposals.
  • Pay structure. Talks to start now on one clear pay structure.
  • Pensions. LGPS remains our aim. If TBG will not agree it, we have asked for a higher employer contribution to the Legal & General scheme, costed in stages, and for the joint meeting with the pension fund and LBB.
  • NJC pay awards. Written into contracts.
  • Policy review. A joint review of LBB and TBG policies.
  • London Living Wage. A firm date to pay the new rate, rather than waiting until April.

I have asked him to instruct TBG’s negotiating team to meet UNISON with proposals. We will also be approaching the Labour Party about funding contributions from LBB.

What happens next

We will publish details of the picket lines, and where members should report on the day, as soon as they are confirmed.

If you have questions about the strike, please ask your local rep or email the branch at contactus@barnetunison.org.uk.

Barnet UNISON

End.