SUPPORT FOR UNISON SHEFFIELD COLLEGE STRIKE

Sheffield TUC supports

UNISON receptionists/switchboard operators

on strike at Sheffield College

6 strike days planned, starting Monday 25th November

Sheffield TUC stands by these 6 UNISON members taking strike action tomorrow against a forced change to their contracts which could leave them hundreds of pounds worse off a year – or threatened with the sack.

Martin Mayer, Secretary of Sheffield Trade Union Council said “We are appalled that Sheffield College is forcing these low-paid, mainly women workers to start working on a rota across all four college campuses in the city without extra pay or travel expenses. This will cause significant hardship e.g. with childcare and extra travel costs.”

UNISON has tried to negotiate a solution with Sheffield College management and has even offered mediation via ACAS, but management has refused.

Martin Mayer said “We support our UNISON members taking strike action against bully-boy management at Sheffield College. We demand that Sheffield College stop punishing these low paid staff whose earnings will in effect fall below the living wage because of additional travel costs.

There will be a UNISON picket line tomorrow, Monday 25 November, outside the City Campus on Granville Road from 7.30 am.

Further strike days are planned for 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11 December

Messages of support can be sent to the strikers via Robin Symonds, UNISON Regional Organiser via email to: R.Symonds@unison.co.uk

Martin Mayer is Secretary Sheffield TUC. He can be contacted on 0776 107 8482