Social workers to be balloted on strike action

Over 100 social services staff in Newham are being balloted on
strike action in protest at the council’s decision to make
additional payments to social workers in the children in need
team.

Unison is furious at what members see as heavy-handed bullying
tactics by management to discourage potential strike action.

Unison chairperson Michael Gavan said: “Our members are not
going to be bullied out of taking action by anyone. Management’s
heavy-handed tactics will just backfire.”

Kathryn Hudson, Newham’s social services director, has agreed to
meet Unison representatives within the next couple of weeks to
discuss the issue. However, Gavan said: “The only thing that will
stop the action is if they agree to pay all social workers the same
money.”