Homelessness workers at St Mungo’s charity, members of Unite housing workers branch, have embarked on indefinite strike action for a decent pay rise. A Mungo’s striker spoke to David Maples to explain the difficult decisions workers make when they decide to go on strike:
“When you spend the entire week supporting clients with their lives it can be emotionally draining. And then not having enough money to pay your bills or even pay a visit to the cinema just to be able to unwind, it’s mentally hard.
“Everyone needs some downtime, but not being able to afford it can be so disheartening. When you look at the rising prices for everything it makes everything so much harder. We are not asking for a massive pay rise, just enough to make life a bit easier.
“Then you look at the amount the managers get paid and you look at Thomas More Square (Mungo’s HQ) and the price that must cost to rent, that makes me even sadder.
“I did not take the decision to strike easily. I feel like I am letting down my clients by not being there for them. But without the frontline workers, St Mungo’s would not exist.”
