Council workers and school support staff in Wales say they want their voice to be heard as UNISON has started a ballot of more than 360,000 workers over whether to take strike action on pay.
The 2024/25 flat rate pay offer of £1,290 from local government employers falls far short of what council employees need and has also been superseded by the deals achieved by some other public sector workers, says the union.
Local government staff across Wales have told UNISON they want their voices to be heard and are calling on as many workers as possible to take part in the postal ballot which runs until Wednesday October 16.
Workers will receive their ballot papers through the post in a purple envelope.
Wrexham County Borough Council support worker Michelle Bielawski-Jones (pictured below) said pay is the most important vote to take part in.
Michelle said: “I want my voice to be heard, with the rest of my colleagues, together we are stronger.
“My advice is look out for your purple envelope, vote for your pay and rights and if you haven’t received one make sure your branch has your correct address and email.
“Use your right to vote.”
Ieuan Griffiths (pictured below) works in social services in Ceredigion County Council and said local government staff deserve fair pay that keeps up with the rising cost of living.
Ieuan said: “This ballot is important to me because it’s about more than just a pay rise; it’s about respect for our dedication and the essential services we provide.
“What councils fails to see is staff are covering a lot more than the role they’re employed to do, yet the more they take on the higher the chances they too go off on ill health.
“I urge everyone to take part because our collective voice is powerful. Together, we can push for a fair deal that values our contributions and secures a better future for us all.”
Find out more about the ballot here: Local government employers must improve pay offer to avoid strike threat | News, Press release | News | UNISON National.
