Panorama - All Work and Low Pay

Check out last night's BBC TV Panorama expose here of UK work exploitation and pay cuts.  The picture right is a frame from the programme which featured the recent strike by Scottish "Charity"
Quarriers over a 20-25 pay cut for their staff.

In probably one of the worlds worse PR performances the TV presenter asked the Quarriers CEO why he wasn't having a 20% pay cut himself? He responded that it would not make any difference if he cut his own pay.

No difference...hmmm... apart from the obvious arguments about leadership and setting an example, surely it would make a difference to costs if the management senior management team were to "share the misery" equally and take 20-25% cuts in their pay (and perks)?  Don't CEO's "get it" that organisations were there is such blatant inequalities end up being "failing" organisations in the same way as the book "The Spirit Level", argues (convincingly in my view) that countries that are more equal are more successful in every aspect.

The programme is on BBC iPlayer until 16 October 2011.

Quarriers..."a charity that is going to make the workers children, the poorest children"

YouTube of the rally in Glasgow on Tuesday following the unprecedented strike by UNISON members in Scottish "Charity" Quarriers, who are facing massive cuts to their pay and conditions. Ironically a Charity that was formed 140 years ago to tackle child poverty will now expect its workers to bring up their children on poverty wages.

Last night at the House of Commons, member's of UNISON Housing Association Branch Labour link lobbied the Labour shadow Housing Minister, Alison Seabeck MP on the battle Quarriers members are fighting in order to preserve their livelihoods.

Hat tip to "UnionNews reports from Glasgow as hundreds of UNISON members at one of Scotland's largest social care charities, Quarriers held a day of strike action on 6th September against pay cuts of up to 23%. Campaigners from other unions and anti-cuts groups say Westminster, Holyrood and local government cuts risk damaging services provided by those who care for some of the most vulnerable people".

UNISON Quarriers Strike to Protect Staff

UNISON members in the social care provider "Quarriers" which is one of the biggest Charities in Scotland, went on strike yesterday over management plans to slash pay and conditions for staff.

"The package of cuts means more than 560 staff would have their pay cut by 10% while others would lose up to 23% under the plans.

There are also proposals to cut sick pay, increase pension contributions and see other protections removed.  Stephen Brown, branch secretary of Unison Quarriers, said: "Taking strike action isn't a decision we've taken lightly and we want to be back at work doing what we do best - providing vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in society. The cost of utilities, food and transport are all going up and yet Quarriers expect our staff to take a pay cut of up to 23% in some cases".

Quarriers management had even refused to go to ACAS to try and resolve the dispute.  After the overwhelming strike ballot in favour of strike action they agreed to go to ACAS at the last minute but refused to suspend their plans until after this meeting. Which seems pretty pointless and an act of bad faith.

Stephen Brown is also the chair of the UNISON Community Service Group (I am a NEC member for Community). He is one of the most sensible and thoughtful trade union leaders about and I hope that Quarriers management will get their act together and talk to UNISON and get this matter sorted out.
(picture from strike rally in Glasgow)

Quarriers staff to strike on Tuesday 6 September over 20% pay cuts

Quarriers is a 140 year old (mainly) Scottish Social Care charity.  Yet is planning to cut the pay of its staff by up to 23%?  Not only that but it is refusing to agree to even go to ACAS and try to resolve this dispute!

No wonder UNISON Quarriers branch have voted overwhelmingly for strike action next Tuesday 6 September.  The Scottish Parliament Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie has asked the Health Secretary to intervene  "...You do not get good quality care for our most vulnerable citizens on the cheap... I'm calling on her to intervene and stop local authorities engaging in a race to the bottom in terms of care and quality of care. I would also hope she will get on the phone to Quarriers' bosses and urge them to sit down with their union representatives at Acas to thrash out a proper negotiated settlement."

Well said Jackie.  Pick up the phone Quarrier bosses - it's good to talk.