Tue 30 August 2011

Quarriers staff set strike date - but renew call to go to Acas

UNISON members in Quarriers have set a date for strike action to oppose the imposition of pay cuts of up to 20%. But even as they announced the 24 hour action beginning on Tuesday 6 September, union reps renewed their call on Quarriers management to take the dispute to Acas.

Workers at Quarriers are opposing a package of cuts that will see some staff taking huge reductions in wages as well as higher pension contributions, reduced sick pay and other reductions in terms and conditions. Last week they voted by a margin of 3 to 1 in favour of strike action. At that point UNISON renewed their offer to Quarriers management to take the cuts package to Acas, an offer that was repeated today.

UNISON members in Quarriers will strike FROM TUESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2011 AT 8.00 AM UNTIL WEDNESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2011 AT 7.59 AM. This will involve a disruption to services but UNISON will ensure that life and limb cover is provided.

UNSION Regional Organiser Simon Macfarlane said:

“No one wants to be taking strike action but Quarriers have left us with no option. The proposed cuts to pay and conditions will be absolutely devastating on staff, and in the longer term will impact on the service Quarriers provide to vulnerable adults and children. If you are sick with worry and losing your home it is hard to totally focus on the care you are giving. Once again we ask that Quarriers management agree to take this dispute to Acas.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The result of the postal ballot on strike action was 69% in favour of strike action with 24% against.

2. Details of the proposed cuts including impact statements by UNISON members can be found on the UNISON Quarriers branch website here http://www.quarriersunison.org.uk/15941_69001.4039.html

For further information please contact:
Stephen Brown (Branch Secretary) 07584 503858
Simon Macfarlane (Regional Organiser) 07703 194132 or
Stephen Low, (Policy Officer), 07956 852822

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