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Care workers strike over pay dispute with council

BBC Carers lining up at a picket line in Plymouth, some are holding red banners which say union name Unite on them, they are holding a long rectangular banner which says Plymouth Reablement Care Assistants on strike - not paid! BBC
Nearly 50 care workers will take action for a total of two weeks in the lead up to the new year

Care workers in Plymouth have walked out for their first day of strikes in a row over pay.

Workers at Independence@Home provide support and care across the city for vulnerable adults.

Nearly 50 care workers will take action for a total of two weeks in the lead up to the new year.

Plymouth City Council, which runs the service, said it is "working hard to resolve the dispute and minimise the impact of the strike ".

The Unite union said management at Independence@Home had recorded staff members travelling between home visits as "downtime" when it was within working hours.

A Unite spokesperson said the council had then made carers come in during subsequent weeks to work the recorded "downtime" without pay.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said it was "outrageous".

“Our members will no longer accept such practices and have the full backing of Unite as they take to the picket line," she said.

'Very angry'

On Monday, staff attended a picket line at the council offices on West Hoe Road in West Hoe and a demonstration in the city centre.

Charlotte Wall, one of the carers, said: "It made us feel like we weren't worthy.

"I love my job, I've been doing it for 16 years and I love working for the care sector.

"It makes me very angry."

'Disappointed'

A spokesperson for Plymouth City Council said the strike would affect its reablement service which helps people who need extra support when returning after a stay in hospital.

“We are working hard to seek to resolve the dispute and minimise the impact of the strike on people who are currently accessing the service.

"If you or a family member is likely to be affected and you have any concerns or questions, please get in touch with us directly.

“We are disappointed that it has reached this stage given the dispute is linked to contractual arrangements following staff consultation around five years ago.

"We are in ongoing discussions with the union to try to find a resolution as swiftly as possible.”

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