More than 100 care workers employed by Wirral Council are set to continue their strike action next week amid an ongoing dispute over pay and job grading. The industrial action, organized by the union UNISON, involves 117 staff members from Wirral Evolutions day services who provide support for adults with learning and physical disabilities.
The union has confirmed that two additional strike days are planned for Monday, October 13, and Tuesday, October 14. This follows an initial walkout on October 8, after 96% of the affected workers voted in favour of taking action.
Key Takeaways
- 117 Wirral Council care workers will strike on Monday, October 13, and Tuesday, October 14.
- The dispute is over a job grading system that the union UNISON claims is unfair and outdated.
- Wirral Council states that meeting the union's demands would cost an additional £450,000 to £500,000 annually.
- Services for adults with disabilities will be disrupted, and carers have been notified of the changes.
- The dispute has been ongoing for nearly two years without a resolution.
Details of the Continued Industrial Action
The upcoming strike action represents a significant escalation in the dispute between care staff and Wirral Council. The 117 employees from Wirral Evolutions day services will form picket lines for two consecutive days early next week.
In addition to the walkouts, the care workers are planning to directly appeal to local officials. A lobby is scheduled to take place at Wallasey Town Hall at 5 pm on Tuesday, coinciding with a meeting of Wirral Council's adult social care committee. This move is intended to draw direct attention from councillors to the workers' grievances.
The decision to strike was not taken lightly. It followed a ballot where an overwhelming 96% of participating UNISON members voted in favour of industrial action, indicating strong support among the workforce for their union's position.
The Union's Stance on Fair Pay
UNISON has stated that the core of the dispute is a job grading system that fails to acknowledge the full scope of duties and the extensive experience of the care staff. The union first raised these concerns with Wirral Council nearly two years ago.
According to UNISON, despite prolonged discussions and a previous promise from the council to review the service, no meaningful progress has been made to resolve the issue. This lack of movement has led to the current industrial action.
"Inaction by Wirral Council has left staff with no alternative but to strike," said Tony Caffery, UNISON North West regional organiser. "The current grading regime for this crucial service doesn't reflect adequately the full range of duties undertaken by, and the experience of, the employees involved."
Caffery acknowledged the impact the strike would have on service users but emphasized that it was a last resort. "Staff are conscious of the inconvenience this action will cause. They're hard-working and committed so taking strike action is a last resort. But their goodwill has been stretched to breaking point by Wirral Council, which has made little effort to resolve this dispute," he added.
Wirral Council's Response and Financial Concerns
Wirral Council has addressed the planned strikes, stating its priority is the welfare of residents who rely on the affected adult day services. The council has confirmed that it has contacted all carers to inform them that services cannot be operated safely on the strike dates due to significantly reduced staffing levels.
Cllr Graeme Cooper, Chair of Wirral Council’s Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, provided context on the financial implications of the union's demands.
"Reversing this move and funding the requested pay increase would cost an additional £450-£500K, which, juggling demand and savings targets, would put further pressure on Wirral’s Adult Social Care Services," stated Cllr Cooper.
He also explained a key change in recruitment policy. The service previously required formal qualifications as part of the essential criteria for roles. This was changed while Wirral Evolutions operated outside the council. According to Cllr Cooper, the current criteria have had a "positive impact on recruitment, enabling us to recruit and retain staff more effectively and efficiently."
Dispute by the Numbers
- 117 care workers are involved in the strike.
- 96% of voting members supported the action.
- 2 years: The approximate length of the grading dispute.
- £500,000: The estimated annual cost to the council to meet the union's demands.
- 3 total strike days have been planned so far this month.
Impact on Services and the Path Forward
The primary impact of the strike will be on the adults with learning and physical disabilities who use the Wirral Evolutions day services, along with their families and carers. The council's communication confirms a temporary suspension of these services during the industrial action.
Both sides have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, but their positions remain far apart. UNISON is calling for the implementation of what it calls a "fair grading system," arguing that past promises from the council have not been fulfilled.
Meanwhile, Wirral Council maintains that its officers "continue to engage with the unions, remaining open and transparent." However, the significant financial cost associated with the proposed changes remains a major barrier to reaching an agreement, especially in a climate of budget constraints and high demand for adult social care.
As the strike dates approach, the focus will be on whether last-minute negotiations can prevent further disruption to these vital community services. For now, the care workers are preparing to return to the picket line to press their case for what they believe is fair recognition and pay for their work.