Donation request for strike action at Southampton
I am writing to tell you about the action UNISON is taking to support striking members in Southampton City Council and to ask for donations towards their strike fund.
Members at the council have been involved in strike action since 23 May 2011.
The action is in response to the employer's actions of dismissing all members of staff and rehiring them with a pay cut of up to 5%, a two year increment freeze and other cuts to terms and conditions. Some members have seen their pay shrink by up to 15%.
UNISON and Unite members have taken selective strike action in parking services, Itchen Bridge toll collection, street cleaning, port health, social services, libraries and refuse collection.
All members in the council except schools-based staff are also taking action short of strike. This includes refusing to use their own cars for council duties, refusing to work overtime, only working contracted hours and withholding all goodwill.
UNISON will work with members concerned and the employers to seek a fair and just resolution to these disputes; but the employer needs to negotiate with us, not sack staff to impose changes.
In order for strike action to be effective and sustainable I am writing to ask for donations to their hardship fund which will be held in the South East regional office. The South East regional council has already agreed a significant contribution to assist the hardship fund.
You can send donations to the Guildford office by cheque, made payable to UNISON South East region:
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