Unite for a fairer workplace!
We ended the strike with just over 800 members, a massive increase over the past year or two. However, that is still a bit less than half of St Mungo’s workforce. Given what we have achieved with the numbers we have, think what we will be able to do once we have a majority – preferably a big majority – of the workforce in our shop! Here’s the link to get your colleagues signed up https://join.unitetheunion.org/
To recap some of what we have achieved in the recent dispute:-
- All workers up to NJC scale point 36 (that’s the vast majority of St Mungo’s workers) are now paid NJC + £1200 a year. Most workers in our sector are paid less than NJC rates.
- 28 days leave for new starters and 31 days once you have reached 5 years’ service.
- Mileage rates higher than most employers.
Does this mean we are getting more than we’re entitled to? Not in the least. We are essential workers who deserve much more recognition that we get. Improved pay means improved recruitment, retention and morale. Clients are more likely to keep the same worker and not have to explain their histories to one person after another. Workers who can afford to stay in the role and still be able to pay the rent gain through experience, their clients gain and St Mungo’s gains.
So we should all be proud of the improvement in our pay. Yes, senior management too – in 2014 the Exec fought us tooth and nail, but once the strike was settled they got used to promoting the improved pay rates to illustrate St Mungo’s status as a high quality provider. There is no reason why the same shouldn’t happen this time. And that puts pressure on other employers in the sector, and encourages higher pay standards generally – which is exactly what we want to achieve. In my view two of the worst failings of our society are that too much goes to those whose only virtue is that they own too much already, at the expense of those who work, and that too few resources go into health and social care. As well as helping us pay for our own rent and groceries, this win is our contribution to a fairer society.
Please forward this email to everyone you know and ask them to join Unite https://join.unitetheunion.org/
Policy changes
Part of the agreement ending the dispute is a commitment to review maternity, paternity, carer’s, sick leave and compassionate leave policies – what would improvements in those policies look like to you? Please share your views with me and I will bring them forward for discussion (anonymously if you wish). Or attend the members’ meeting on Monday and we will discuss them there.
Staff survey
You will have had an email on Monday morning asking you to participate in Mungo’s staff survey. The more workers’ voices are heard, the better, so please take part in the survey if you can.
Reps’ nominations
Nominations are open until 5pm on 2 October. Nominees must be proposed by two members and must be members of Unite who are St Mungo’s employees. Please submit nominations to Steve.O’Donnell@unitetheunion.org. If you have any questions about the process, you can contact Steve or me.
Members’ meeting
There will be a members’ meeting will be at 6pm on Monday 2 October. Please be there if you can – it will be an opportunity to discuss any issues arising from the return to work and what you want Unite to work on in the near future.
It’s for Unite members only, but if you sign up your colleagues quickly enough, they will be in time to take part! https://join.unitetheunion.org/
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