Getting public sector workers ‘strike ready’ in the face of the worst cost-of-living crisis for a generation is a key priority for incoming UNISON Cymru/Wales boss Dominic MacAskill.
The former social worker with more than 30 years’ experience as a trade union activist has been appointed to lead UNISON in Wales which represents nearly 100,000 public sector staff.
Mr MacAskill was raised in a mining community and, after qualifying as a social worker from Cardiff University, went on to play a key role in UNISON leading Rhondda Cynon Taff branch as well as developing policy and campaigns for the union across Wales as UNISON’s head of bargaining and campaigns.
He said top priorities for UNISON in Wales include defending and enhancing the conditions of public service workers and the public services they provide, linking trade unions with communities to campaign against the cost-of-living crisis and the need to get “strike ready” to deploy industrial action if this becomes necessary.
The incoming UNISON Cymru/Wales regional secretary, Dominic MacAskill, said:
“When so many workers and their families are struggling to make ends meet, they need to know their trade union will do everything it can to support them winning a fair pay rise. That means backing them to take strike action against bad employers or a government that doesn’t understand the desperate situation they are in.
“Public service workers kept Wales running in the pandemic and just want to be paid what will allow them to live with dignity and respect.
“Being in a trade union is all about giving people a voice and making sure workers are treated fairly.
“UNISON will continue to champion investment in public services as the best way to make our communities happier, healthier and more equal places, free from all discrimination.”
Notes for editors
- Dominic MacAskill will take up the post of Wales regional secretary from Monday 1 August
- UNISON UK is considering its response to the national local government pay offer today (Friday) and is currently balloting Higher Education staff.
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales policy officer, 07816 53 83 97
