Southampton strike pics and update

Picture is of the picket line this morning and below the latest bulletin from Mike Tucker unison NEC

Marshajane

"2400 UNISON and Unite members employed by Southampton City Council commenced industrial action today.  110 Refuse workers started a 5 day strike, while all other union members started various forms of industrial action short of strike.
 
There was 100% support for the Refuse strike, with a picket line of 70 people outside the Town Depot from 5.30 a.m.  (For more pictures of the picket line, visit our Branch web site at www.soton-unison-office.org.uk.)

When the Refuse section returns to work on 31 May, another group of UNISON / Unite members are to strike for 7 days.
 
We are holding a joint UNISON / Unite members rally on Thursday 2 June at 12.30 p.m. in central Southampton.  Speakers include Keith Sonnet, UNISON Deputy General Secretary, and Len McCluskey, Unite General Secretary.  Messages of support for this rally would be welcome.
 

Thanks very much to those Branches who have already donated to our strike fund.  Your support is much appreciated.  We still need financial support.  The selective strike action is being funded on the basis of the trade unions paying full take home pay.  We are also making payments to those workers who refuse overtime.  Groups affected by this form of industrial action include street cleaning, who are already on a low wage and survive by working overtime.  Any financial support you can give is appreciated.
 
Southampton is at the forefront of the fight to stop wage cuts.  We have entered into a crucial stage of our dispute.  Any help you can give will help sustain our industrial action.

 
The action short of strike being taken by all UNISON members includes:
 
1.                   Refusing to use your car for Council duties
All Council car users, including those in receipt of essential car allowance, Southampton Car Allowance and casual mileage payments are refusing to use their car for work.  Travel for work is being carried out by:
•     Public transport
•     Taxis paid for by the City Council
•     Walking / bike
Members are refusing to use hire cars or pool cars to travel in the City.
 
2.                   Refusing to work paid overtime
All UNISON members are refusing to work overtime from 23 May.  This includes contractual overtime.
 
3.                   Only working contractual hours
UNISON members are only working the hours they are paid for (including accumulating hours for flexileave).  All unpaid working time has ceased.  Where set working hours are specified, only those set hours are being worked.  Specified lunch breaks are also being taken.
 
4.                   Working to contract / withholding of "goodwill"
Many UNISON members carry out work beyond what is specified in their contract of employment.  UNISON members are now only carrying out duties that are specified in their contracts.  Duties of another post or duties of a higher level of responsibility (unless in receipt of a honorarium payment) are not being undertaken.  Only duties UNISON members are employed for, and for which they are being paid, are being undertaken.
 
5.                   Not covering for vacant posts
UNISON members are not covering jobs in workplaces that are vacant, or deleted, unless the duties are specified in their own job description / contract.
 
Best wishes
 
Mike Tucker
UNISON National Executive Council Member /
Branch Secretary
UNISON Southampton District Branch
Civic Centre
Southampton
SO14 7NB
mike.tucker[at]southampton.gov.uk
Blackberry e-mail:  m.tucker[at]unison.co.uk
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