UNISON
This is the most important industrial action case for decades . It ’ s a victory for every employee who might one day want to challenge something bad or unfair their employer has done .”
UNISON
UNISON membership is included in your RCOT membership for most occupational therapy staff . Make sure your employment and contact details are up to date with my . unison . org . uk so you always get the most relevant information directly by email
‘ Rogue bosses won ’ t like it one bit . They ’ ll no longer be able to punish or ill-treat anyone who dares to take strike action to try to solve any problems at work .
‘ No one strikes on a whim . There are many legal hoops to be jumped through first . But when a worker decides to walk out , they should be able to do so , safe in the knowledge they won ’ t be victimised by a spiteful boss .
‘ The government must now close this loophole promptly . It won ’ t cost any money and isn ’ t difficult to do .’
Fiona added : ‘ I ’ m delighted at the outcome . Although it won ’ t change the way I was treated , it means irresponsible employers will now think twice before behaving badly towards their unhappy staff . If they single strikers out for illtreatment , they ’ ll now be breaking the law .’
Winning in the workplace
Christina McAnea also delivered the keynote speech at UNISON ’ s annual Health Conference , which took place last month in Brighton , and highlighted the union ’ s great wins in workplaces up and down the country .
‘ Look at all you ’ ve achieved in the past 12 months ’, she told delegates . ‘ Forty two rebanding deals done across England and Scotland in our Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign ; £ 70 million in back pay – and rising .
‘ A huge strike in Northern Ireland that forced politicians back into the Northern Ireland Assembly to sort out public sector pay – that ’ s the power of UNISON .’
Ms McAnea added that the union had live disputes in the South East , Eastern , East Midlands , Northern , North West , South West and London regions , together with live campaigns in Yorkshire and Humberside , West Midlands and Cymru / Wales .
‘ Our demands and action get results . We are transforming lives … that ’ s the power of UNISON ,’ she said .
Unison ’ s Acting Head of Health , Helga Pile , then introduced representatives of successful strikes in health from across the union as they came to the front of the hall to join Ms McAnea . They were joined live online from a picket line at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough , as conference rose to applaud and celebrate the power of UNISON .
This is the most important industrial action case for decades . It ’ s a victory for every employee who might one day want to challenge something bad or unfair their employer has done .”
© Ridofranz via Getty Images
Protecting you at work
For help and advice at work – or to find out more about UNISON services – please contact your local BAOT / UNISON representative or branch . Visit https :// branches . unison . org . uk / or go to https :// bit . ly / 3OyL0Iy .
If you need help at work 0800 0857 857 or www . unison . org . uk
May 2024 OTnews 37