All public sector workers are being forced to deal with a toxic mix of a decade of cuts combined with low wages and sky high fuel and energy bills.
UNISON has heard from public sector workers who are now being forced to move out of their homes in order to pay their bills.
One health worker told UNISON: “Both myself and my partner work full time for the NHS and can no longer afford to live in our existing house due to costs increasing beyond our salaries.”
Medical secretary and UNISON Cymru/Wales member Beverly Griffiths has had to make tough choices such as re-mortgaging their home, putting off repairs including storm damaged garden fencing and taking on extra shifts to cover costs.
Read her full story here.
The union has also heard from special needs teaching assistant Lucy McDonald who works full time but could soon become homeless as her landlord is selling the home she lives in with her son and sky-high rental costs mean they can no longer afford to keep a roof over their heads.
Read Lucy’s full story here.
Here’s what we are doing about it:
UNISON Cymru/Wales paid for transport for representatives to join thousands of protesters attending a major demonstration organised by the TUC in the centre of London on Saturday June 18.
UNISON is calling for an immediate mileage rate rise from all 22 local authorities in Wales and care providers as some staff are being paid as little as 20p a mile to cover their costs.
Mark Turner, UNISON Cymru/Wales care lead, spoke to ITV Wales on this issue and Mark’s interview is available to view here.
Earlier this year UNISON balloted for strike action after local government workers were offered a meagre 1.75% pay rise which in real terms is a pay cut and does nothing to help those staff who are struggling to feed their families whilst also carrying out vital public services.
On Saturday April 2 Dominic MacAskill, UNISON Cymru/Wales head of bargaining and campaigns (pictured above), spoke at a major demonstration in the centre of Cardiff organised by the People’s Assembly as one of a series of events across the UK in protest against the cost of living crisis.
Dominic was interviewed for ITV Wales at the event and this is available to view here.
Jane Gebbie, UNISON Cymru/Wales deputy convenor, said: “Events like these are crucial to highlighting the appalling situation so many hard-working families are finding themselves in through no fault of their own.
“UNISON gives a voice to everyone working in the public sector in Wales.”
UNISON Cymru/Wales is also calling on NHS employers and the Welsh Government to consider an immediate additional fuel allowance for health workers who are out of pocket.
You can read more on this story here.
There for you (UNISON welfare)
Members experiencing financial and emotional difficulties can contact our welfare charity, There for You, which provides a confidential advice and support service for members and their dependants.