Wage protection deal for Southampton Care workers

Care workers in Southampton have voted to accept a wage protection deal from the council. Workers in the Unison and T&G unions struck for four days in February against proposals to sack 370 care workers for refusing to accept pay cuts.

Four care workers sacked for refusing to accept the new rates will be re-employed.

The protection arrangements are in addition to an increase in hourly rates to compensate for the withdrawal of enhancements for evening, weekend and night work. In the ballot Unison care workers voted by 81 to 16 to accept the proposals. The T&G care workers voted by 37 to one to accept the deal.

Mike Tucker, Unison branch secretary, said, “The care workers’ action forced the council to double the level of salary protection on offer. Most care workers will not see a drop in their take home pay during the next three years.

“Care workers have proved that low paid part time workers can fight back and defend their pay and working conditions.”