Quarriers workers strike against pay cuts

Quarriers UNISON members picketing this morning

UNISON members at Quarriers came out on strike at 8.00am against pay cuts of up to 23%, cuts in sick pay and other conditions and higher pensions contributions. The hundreds of workers in one of Scotland’s biggest social care charities are urging other members to joint them at a rally today in Glasgow’s George Square at 12 noon. The 24 hour stoppage will continue until tomorrow morning.

After repeated calls from UNISON, Quarriers had agreed on Friday to go to ACAS but talks yesterday failed. “We’re very disappointed that these talks have failed. UNISON was prepared to engage meaningfully in these last-minute talks but, sadly, Quarriers did not see the benefit of doing so”, said Simon MacFarlane, UNISON regional organiser.

Branch Secretary Stephen Brown said, “Taking strike action isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly and we want to be back at work doing what we do best – providing vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in society.”

The best Quarriers could manage as a response was to warn staff not to speak to the media about the attacks on their wages and conditions. This was all the more galling because the Branch had been campaigning against local government cuts which have squeezed funding. But UNISON can speak up, so see full details of the proposed cuts, including impact statements by members, at www.quarriersunison.org.uk/15941_69001.4039.html .

Quarriers staff carry out some of the most difficult work with some of the most challenging and vulnerable members of our communities. More than three quarters of UNISON members voted in favour of strike action last month.

The draconian action by Quarriers may be unique just now but as local councils push down procurement costs, charities and other voluntary organisations will more and more get locked in a bidding war for the lowest tender.

Since most of cost in social care organisations is paying the people who actually do the caring, the implications for pay and conditions are obvious. This lack of respect for social care workers betrays a lack of respect for the vulnerable who rely on them.

Public actions in support of Quarriers strike on Tuesday 6 September 2011
• GLASGOW, GEORGE SQUARE: 12 noon – 1pm.
Pickets - Members will be picketing at the locations below:
• GLASGOW, JAMES SHIELDS, 100 POLLOKSHAWS ROAD: 8am–10am.
• GLASGOW, STOPOVER, 200 POLLOKSHAWS ROAD: 8am–10am.
• ARDROSSAN, SEAFIELD SCHOOL, 86 EGLINTON ROAD: 8am–10am.
• SALTCOATS, GREEN STREET: 8am–10am.
• BRIDGE OF WEIR, QUARRIERS VILLAGE: 8am–10am.