Union protests at proposed wage cuts in Southwark

This  morning UNISON organised a lobby of Southwark Council over proposed 40% wage cuts for 70 part time staff members.

The workers who are mainly Pupil Support Assistants (PSAs) are facing proposed cuts in their hours from 25 to 15 hours a week but will be expected to handle the same workload.

PSAs work with special needs kids. Their duties include escorting children to school, and training vulnerable young adults in life skills helping them become more independent.

While the need for this service remains the same the council hopes to save £18 million from the budget supporting vulnerable children.

Union members held an indicative ballot last week in favour of taking a formal ballot on industrial action. Three unions, UNISON, GMB and UNITE are to meet with the employers on 20th March to discuss the council’s proposals that workers fear will be unworkable and will see a big drop in their wages.

One of the protesters Brenda Li spoke to Big Smoke at the lobby of the council saying “services are going to suffer… and we’re not going to accept it.”