STRIKE ACTION
On the 10th of May 2022 UNITE members employed by Sandwell Leisure Trust took part in Industrial Action as part of the 2022/23 Pay Dispute.
This strike was avoidable, this was one more example of bad management at its worst continuing down a line of bad decisions. A heartless attack by the employer in 2021 on the terms and conditions of its hard-working employees whereby they forced through contract changes utilising 'fire and rehire' tactics.
Followed up by a miserly pay offer of between 0.5% and 1% in December 2021.
Left our members little choice other than to take industrial action to protect their pay and what was left of their terms & conditions.
Days after taking collective action alongside our sister unions the dispute was ended as Sandwell Leisure Trust agreed to return our members to NJC terms & conditions.
Following recent discussions between SLT, Sandwell MBC and the recognised Trade Unions in relation to the reintroduction of NJC terms and conditions to the contract of employment because of these discussions, a collective agreement has been reached and therefore, with effect from 25 May 2022, NJC terms and conditions will be reincorporated into the contract of employment.
As a result of this agreement, SLT pay scales will now be re-aligned to the current NJC pay scales with effect from 1st April 2022 with arears of pay being paid to you on 24th June 2022.
"So proud of the outcome finally UNITE members
got what they fought for; it truly proves that positive action combined with positive thinking results in success".
UNITE Regional Officer Lee Wiggetts-Clinton
"The result shows the benefits of being a UNITE member and the power of solidarity. Thank you to all those who supported us throughout the campaign helping us achieve a well-deserved win for UNITE members in Sandwell Leisure Trust "
UNITE WM 7015 Convenor Andrew Harris
We would like to thank members of UNITE Communities for their support on the day and to John Davis who travelled from Telford to support our day of action
Special Thanks from UNITE WM 7015 to West Midlands Regional Digital Media maestro Nathan Darby for kindly sharing the social media interview taken on the 10th of May 2022.
A montage of the day of action, members showed solidarity and determination to carry on with action shutting down the Smethwick Swimming Centre.
UNITE is committed to campaign against the government’s ongoing programme of outsourcing public sector services to the private sector and furthermore to reverse the previously outsourced services back into the public sector