As has been notified to members there will be a further day of industrial action on Tuesday 3 December 2013.
We don’t know how many members took part in the strike action on 31st October but it seemed to be a quieter than usual day on campus and the Branch Committee thanks all those who did. Our very grateful thanks to those who stood on the picket lines in the cold. Perhaps we could have more on the 3rd?
Only by standing together can we hope to make an impact. It is not onerous or scary and a show of solidarity is very empowering. About the only negative comment any of us heard was the opinion of a passer-by who said “You lot get paid too much already” (or words to that effect). We’re not sure who she had mistaken us for.
You will not be “sent to Coventry” or subjected to any less favourable treatment if you don’t take part, nor is there any obligation to join a picket line. If you disagree with the strike action you don’t have to leave UNISON – we know that not every member could possibly agree with every action…! A small number of people did elect to leave us last month but as more people joined us (in greater numbers than usual) there was actually a net increase in membership.
Remember you do not have to let the employer know in advance of your intention to go on strike but you do need to complete a form to return to HR and you will lose the equivalent of a day’s pay. (1/260th of annual gross pay for those of us not paid by the hour. If you were paid £13000 p.a. for example this would be £50 though once tax etc are taken off the real reduction should be somewhat less.)
Don’t forget to refer to this blog for updates and do read the Strike FAQs and other postings.
As before we shall assemble in the union room at 07:30 and be ready to picket from 08:00. Last time we were only maintaining this presence until 10:00 and then went to a joint trade unions meeting in Darwin. It’s not clear at the moment if the same will be arranged for 3rd December but those who join the pickets will be kept informed. If you arrive after 08:00 please just join one of the picket lines. These will be in the vicinity of the roundabout near Eliot college, at the main Giles Lane Car Park and the Giles Lane/Darwin Road junction.
Recent Comments