In March of this year, UK food prices soared by 17.5 per cent compared to the same period last year, the fastest rate in more than 45 years (source ONS). Many of us are struggling with the basics of living by relying on foodbanks, going into debt and worrying whether we can feed ourselves and our children. At the same time, there have been record profits by corporations (source UNITE the Union) and an increase in billionaires (source Equality Trust). This is why nurses, teachers, railway workers, postal workers and many more have made it clear.

“Enough is enough!”

Now, we as council workers and school staff, who have seen our real wages cut over the last 10 years, have the chance to show that we are also prepared to take action against the rampant inequality that now exists. In Solihull, it is no different where, “16 neighbourhoods in Solihull rank in the most deprived 10% of England…” (source Tackling Health Inequalities)

You should all be receiving ballot papers in the post in the coming weeks. It will be in a red envelope like the one pictured. Please vote YES so that our collective voices can be heard. There is more information available on the national UNISON website. The deadline for receiving ballot papers is Tuesday 4 July 2023.

We understand that taking action is a big step and may feel overwhelming when you have colleagues and service users who rely on you. It may even feel that it’s something other sectors undertake but not you. But over the past 12 years, council and school staff have lost on average 25% from the value of you pay when measured against the Retail Price Index (RPI) measure of inflation since 2010. Prices and bills are reaching new highs every day and every pound in your pay packet really counts.

Taking action will send a clear message to employers that you need a better pay rise that will actually help during the cost-of-living crisis. You deliver a vital public service that helps everyone in your community – you deserve fair pay for the important work that you do.

Please do contact Solihull Branch if you have any questions. We will also be contacting UNISON members in the coming weeks to speak to you in person about the importance of the ballot.