Surrey council workers look to strike on pay

In April, Surrey county council imposed a two year pay deal broadly in line with the government’s austerity measures on pay constraint. As Surrey County Unison branch have local negotiations on pay, we are not part of the national local government pay dispute.

Surrey County Unison recently put out a consultative ballot over reopening negotiations with the council on pay, after learning that councillors had awarded themselves a pay rise of up to 60%.

Our view is that Unison members should also receive a pay rise. We are not asking for 60% rises, we are asking for a pay increase to keep up with the cost of living.

Members voted in favour of going into a dispute by a whopping 718 to 16 or 98%.

Surrey County Unison supported our colleagues on strike on 10 July. We have the same issues and problems as the rest of our members nationally. We hope to organise and negotiate for better pay with our council on the mandate we have been given.

Andy Pattinson, Surrey Unison (personal capacity)