Created on Tuesday, 23 August 2011 19:43 Written by Fightback Industrial
UNISON is balloting Health and Education members in the North in response to huge cuts in the public sector. Cuts of £2.3 bn are set to have draconian effects in the NHS, with 6,000 jobs in the firing line. Already Accident and Emergency services in Omagh, South Tyrone Magharafelt and Whiteabby have already been shut down with partial closures in Downpatrick and Lisburn. Homecare is under threat with 70% provatisation and social workers are facing impossible caseloads.
The situation in schools is not much different. The schools budget has been slashed by 25% as a response to a spending shortfall of £300 million.
As UNISON's newsletter points out:
"All jobs are now insecure. Some jobs are at special risk. School meals, school cleaning, school transport, classroom assistants and crossing patrol jobs are hardest hit. Children with special needs have been targeted. Music therapy, staff training and classroom assistants face the axe. Who could possibly justify the removal of music therapy from our children?"
UNISON's decision to ballot these groups of workers reflects not only the depth of the crisis but also the pressure that the union are under. But calling a ballot isn't enough. Delivering a massive yes vote would be a huge signal to both Stormont and London that the hardworking teaching assistants, nurses, social workers and home care workers have had enough.
The UNISON press release explains:
UNISON regional secretary Patricia McKeown declared: "It has never been more necessary for UNISON members in health, social services and education to stand together to fight for our jobs and services and to force employers to listen."
The ballot will start on 22 August and end on 20 September.
Northern Ireland health and education services are facing the "the biggest budget cuts in their history," Ms Mc Keown warned, at a time when previous cuts already mean
"Many survived the cuts throughout the 'Thatcher' era," recalled Ms McKeown. "The action they took then saved our services and increased jobs.
"The cuts we now face are many times greater."
She noted that many union members will be facing taking industrial action for the first time, and may be worried or afraid.
But, she said, "Taking action is their right. It is their opportunity to be heard. It will be legal, official industrial action and UNISON will protect them.
"By standing together in the past we have proved that we can save jobs and services.
"Our members believe in their jobs and the service they deliver. We want their commitment to be matched by action from employers and government alike.
"We are standing up for all of the people."
To read UNISON's Special Edition newsletter click here