Local government and school support staff keep communities safe, clean and accessible, yet there is often little or no recognition for your hard work.
With the cost-of-living skyrocketing to new highs every day, it’s time to rise up and demand decent pay for the work you do.
2023 NJC pay claim
UNISON has been campaigning for a decent pay rise for council and school workers. However, the local government employers have responded with an offer of a flat rate increase of £1,925 (with less for part-time and term-time workers). In a cost-of-living crisis this simply is not good enough.
We’ve created a pay calculator that will work out how much your pay should increase based on the current inflation rate so you can see just how ineffective this pay offer really is:
So, we’re putting it to you, our members. We are going to ballot members to ask if you wish to take industrial action over pay. Taking action will send a clear message to employers that you need a better pay rise.
Ballot papers will be posted to you in May, but there is lots that you can do in the meantime to get ballot ready!
What you can do to get ballot ready:
Share our ready-made social media graphics across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Remember to use the hashtag #PayUp2023 whenever you post.
Access our graphics and videos
Download and print our campaign materials for workplaces, such as leaflets and posters
Talk to at least 5 of your colleagues – tell them how you feel about the pay offer and why you deserve more. Encourage them to vote in the ballot and ask if they want to get involved in the campaign.
Sign up to join the ballot briefing on Wednesday 10th May at 12:30pm.
Get a colleague to join UNISON – if someone in your workplace isn’t in UNISON, get them to join before Wednesday 21st June to get a ballot, as together we are stronger!
Make sure that you are following us on social media for the latest updates and to have your say on pay:
Other ways to get involved:
You can email your local councillor and ask them to use their influence to support local government workers by giving them the recognition and pay they deserve: