P/10/14
16 May 2014
GMB MEMBERS ANGRILY REJECT 1% PAY OFFER AND VOTE
OVERWHELMINGLY TO BALLOT FOR STRIKE ACTION
Following a consultation exercise where GMB members covered by the local government
pay offer had a chance to vote whether to accept or reject it, I can report that a
massive 83% voted to reject the offer and called for GMB to carry out a full industrial
action ballot to authorise a lawful strike. This is a strong mandate from our members
that GMB will now act on. We will carry out a ballot during June and if that is positive
we will call a strike for July 10th. I can also report that our sister unions, Unite and
Unison, will be balloting to join us.
The message is very clear. Our members are fed up being treated unfairly and the 1%
pay offer just adds insult to injury. The employers need to realise that we are not
going to tolerate being told to do so much for so little by way of respect or reward in
return. It's time to do something about it. Not as individuals, but all together, backed
by the strength of the union and the protection of a legal strike ballot.
If any employers read this, or ask you about our motivation, it has to be said that
neither GMB nor it's members want to be talking about strike action. What we want to
be talking about is how to provide better services for our local communities and in our
schools. All we reasonably ask for is to be treated fairly and I guarantee that at any
time we will negotiate with the employers to avoid a strike. That's our preference. But
they have refused to negotiate and refused to use any other means of resolving
disputes. If they continue treating us like they have been then we have no other choice
open to us but to take action. And we will.
Brian Strutton
Brian Strutton
National Secretary - Public Services
Join GMB at www.gmb.org.uk/join
GMB NATIONAL OFFICE
22 Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD
www.gmb.org.uk
CONTACT: Brian Strutton
Tel: 020 8971 4255 Fax: 020 8944 6552
email: [email protected]