Despite all of our efforts Cera have not entered into negotiations with UNISON on pay in the extra care service and the imposed increase to £9.85 and £10 at weekends, whilst welcome, is not backdated and does not include staff beyond the basic grade.
This means that UNISON has responded to demands by staff to be balloted for industrial action and has issued statutory notification to the company this week.
Ballot Opens 14th November and runs until 5th December
Action could taker place any day from Boxing Day.
We will be striking for Union recognition to negotiate pay both now and in the future years and for a pay rise to £10.50 for basic grade staff with enhancements for unsocial hours and an equivalent rise for other staff like scheme managers to maintain differentials.
Staff are of course loathed to take such action but believe they have no other way of being taken seriously by their employer.
It is hoped this will contribute to care staff getting the respect they deserve across the sector
