In the run-up to next week's strike, I've heard it said that: "striking is against my values." Funny that, because striking is entirely in line with my values. How can it be against social work values for social workers, who are part of the working class, to act together with our brothers and sisters in local government to achieve a pay rise as against a pay-cut?

For me, it is an issue of respect from my employers and from the general public for the work that I do and the standard with which I do it. And I think pay is a good indicator of how valued we are. If the councils act like businesses, they should reward like the private sector as well. They cannot have it both ways. From where I am, striking actually means that I am still giving the council a chance, that I am still prepared to work for a Local Authority. When I worked in the private sector, I did not argue. I simply left. And I do agree with you, it is an issue of solidarity as well. We cannot complain separately about how badly we are treated, but refuse to take action together. 

 For those who do go out on strike, we're really keen to hear your strike stories and to see your strike pictures - which you can upload very easily to CareSpace - just ask if you have any problems

The argument for meekly accepting anything that erodes pay and professional standards on the basis of "I came in [to social work] to protect children and I can't do this if I am on the picket line." is that we should go back to the era of Almoners and the bored rich doing good works. It always amazes me that a "profession" that prides itself on attracting a diverse group of workers and fetishises the "celebration of difference" falls back on the tired middle class mantra of "we are only here for the clients" If you want a social workforce made up of the otherwise unemployed offspring of the rich, have your condescending stereotypes of who should do social work. Those of us who have no other means than our wages to support ourselves and tackle the inequalities of our country through our work have other ideas. I came into social work because of the vilification and violence I suffered as a bin man in the so called winter of discontent. I need no lectures from the likes of the LGE on the merits of responsibility when I see the pay and perks of senior social care managers. Those of us who do not support New Labour can easily settle for the Tories. They at least remain consistent in their wish to represent their own class interests. Ooops, a naughty bit of politics there, sorry for being so unreconstructed.

 I looked yesterday to the website of a fosterig agency in the recruitment section and I was amazed. The starting and top salary for social workers were more than what our authority offers, it offers private healthcare, company car and various other benefits. I do see a gap here even among social workers. For me, the issue is not staying or leaving social work, but staying with the council or going for a different employer. Which would end up costing he council more when they re-employ me as an agency worker than being a responsible employer and recognizing the value of my work through a fair pay. 

That is the nub of it isn't it? They believe that privatising everything makes things 'efficient' even though we do not see them screaming that vulnerable people are at risk when staffing levels are so low care becomes dangerous or residents suffer dreadful abuse because privatisation in some areas has resulted in the employment of unqualified and unregulated staff.

Did the strike have any effect?

I didn't strike as I think (in my area anyway) that social work wages are quite fair - my authorities starting wage is a couple of grand more than the neighbouring authority.

Also - I think it's bad taste to stand on a picket line and bang on about a poor pay rise when in the current economic climate there are lots of people in e.g. the private construction industry that are losing their jobs.  At least we've got relatively safe jobs, and at least we're getting some sort of pay rise.

I did go out on strike, however, not particularly for my salary or that of the other social workers because, as you say, the wages are quite fair.  I went on strike for the front line care staff whom have a demanding and responsible job for which they are paid little more that the minimum wage.  I believe that the offer of 2.45%, which is below the current rate of inflation, is an insult to the less well paid care staff and in real terms amounts to a pay cut.

Regards

Bri

Scottish local authority staff will be striking on 20th August.