Striking Liverpool social workers are appealing for messages of support and practical solidarity in their struggle against a council which is refusing even to talk to them.
The 163 members of UNISON's Liverpool City branch have been on indefinite strike since 24 August in a dispute over workloads and case allocation.
The dispute arose late last year. The lack of a caseload allocation system and what the union saw as inappropriate use of procedures led to staff being over worked. This in turn saw a high staff turnover rate, high levels of stress and difficulties in staff finding the time to take their annual leave.
Discussion with management broke down and union members took three days of action in February this year.
In April, they won support from the union’s North West regional council. Further action was suspended after management agreed to talks on the issue.
Despite strenuous efforts by the union to continue talks, management has refused to hold any further meetings since 16 June.
UNISON senior regional officer Stephanie Thomas, says management has adopted a “threatening posture” since the dispute was declared, talking of pushing through large scale restructuring and potential job losses without any consultation or discussion.
Messages of support and donations can be sent to: Angela Blundell, branch secretary, Liverpool UNISON, GO1 The Cotton Exchange Building, Bixteth Street, Liverpool L3 9JR
Email: liverpoolunison@btconnect.com
Please make cheques payable to The UNISON Strike Fund.
