‘People feel empowered for the first time in years’

The Socialist spoke to Unison rep Max King

Our members are striking today because for years they have worked outside their scope, and have been forced to work outside their banding without the correct pay to reflect this.

Staff are filled with frustration, upset, and feeling completely disrespected and undervalued. We didn’t want it to go to strike, we wanted the Trust to take up our offers of meeting us and discussing and resolving the issue.

The mood on the picket has been vibrant and passionate. There are over 150 staff on the picket line.

People feel listened to and empowered for the first time in years with this strike. People have come together and supported each other and shown excellent solidarity during these uncertain times.

We’ve been left with no option but to strike. Members are having to work overtime just to make ends meet. Not resolving this is not an option for our members.