Social workers in Bath and North East Somerset are preparing to strike for three days from May 20 to May 22 in protest over pay grading issues. Team managers and deputy managers within the council’s children’s services department have taken this industrial action due to pay changes that place them on the same grade as some of the staff they oversee.
Represented by the trade union Unison, these workers previously conducted a one-day strike in March to voice their concerns. Unison South West regional secretary Tim Roberts emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “The strike reflects the strong dissatisfaction among staff regarding the council’s failure to resolve pay and grading disputes. Children’s social care managers handle highly skilled and demanding work supporting vulnerable children and families, and they shouldn’t have to fight for fair compensation.”
A council spokesperson acknowledged the planned strikes and reiterated their commitment to ongoing discussions: “Team managers and deputy team managers have informed us through Unison of their planned strike action on May 20, 21, and 22, related to pay and grading. We remain dedicated to constructive dialogue with staff and Unison and will ensure continuity of service for children, young people, and families throughout the industrial action.”
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During a ballot conducted by Unison in early 2024, 100% of the affected staff supported strike action with a 94% turnout. While an earlier proposed extended strike was postponed following a council offer, relations between the council and children’s social care workers remain strained.
Compounding the dispute are ongoing plans for a contentious departmental restructure, which could result in five redundancies and require many social workers to shift roles. This has led to sizeable protests organized by Unison outside council meetings, disrupting proceedings at Bath’s Guildhall on multiple occasions.
Although both parties engaged with the advisory, conciliation, and arbitration service (Acas) earlier in the year, talks have reportedly stalled since February, leaving the dispute unresolved as the strike dates approach.