Care workers in Wales who successfully campaigned for a pay rise say their victory was only possible with the support of UNISON.
In April 2022, the Welsh government made £48m available to social care employers to raise the pay of registered care workers to at least real living wage level of £10.90.
However, care staff employed by Integra Community Living Options, which runs eight care homes in Carmarthen, Llanelli, Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Cardiff did not see any extra money in their pay packets.
Support workers remained on a minimum wage of £9.50 an hour, despite Welsh government funding being available.
After months of campaigning by UNISON, the company agreed full-time staff represented by the union should receive £780 in back pay.
Last month Integra staff also received a further pay rise, giving an overall increase of 15%.
One worker, who did not want to be identified, said: “The pay rise has meant a great deal to me as I can stop worrying about bills and other important payments.
“It wouldn’t have been achieved without the employees standing strong with one another and working in partnership with UNISON”.
Another Integra employee said: “The back pay and increase to £10.90 an hour has meant I’ve managed to get back on top of my bills.
“Working for such low wages is difficult. It means I have to put in extra hours and feel burnt out.
“I’m so grateful for the help UNISON has given.”
UNISON Cymru/Wales care lead Mark Turner said: “Care workers provide a vital service to those who need it most and it’s crucial they’re paid accordingly.
“It has been really inspiring to see how the Integra workers stuck together to make sure they got the money they were owed.
“This was achieved by building power in the workplace.
“UNISON is calling for a national care service in Wales where profits are invested in services to improve them, not to fill the pockets of private business bosses.”
