#J10strike Sue Glithero, Chair of UNISON's NJC Committee, which is leading the local government pay dispute, set out the union's position at today's joint union strike rally in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens: 'I call on our local councillors to do what they know is right. To put pressure on their own local authority, for it to put pressure on the national employers - and on central government if necessary - to give a fair pay rise to local government and school support workers. We are long overdue one. We know one is affordable. Our national employers know one is affordable. The Government knows one is affordable. And we will do what we have to, to get one.That is why local government and school support workers are striking today. UNISON stands ready to negotiate openly. But if the national employers refuse to engage with honesty and fairness - then we will strike again'
Full speech below
