Implications of taking industrial action?

Southend1

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

Nope, sorry not been cut still and they have recognised the cost of living increases and negotiated in the past with the unions...hence your past % increases.

I don't blame you mind for trying to get more money...who wouldn't!

Ok maybe we live in different countries. Where I live, inflation has been running at well above 0.5%!!

What I haven't mentioned too is that I am looking at a further 13% pay cut in 2014 due to redeployment. I accept this fully due to the circumstances under which it arose. What I don't accept is the continuing unfair situation where the government prints vast quantities of money to stoke inflation while simultaneously insisting on below inflation pay settlements.

If you're happy with your lot then fine but personally I think this is unfair and I would like to take a stand. Thankfully I live somewhere where I have a right to express my opinion and protest peacefully!!

ILW

Southend1 wrote: »

Ok maybe we live in different countries. Where I live, inflation has been running at well above 0.5%!!

What I haven't mentioned too is that I am looking at a further 13% pay cut in 2014 due to redeployment. I accept this fully due to the circumstances under which it arose. What I don't accept is the continuing unfair situation where the government prints vast quantities of money to stoke inflation while simultaneously insisting on below inflation pay settlements.

If you're happy with your lot then fine but personally I think this is unfair and I would like to take a stand. Thankfully I live somewhere where I have a right to express my opinion and protest peacefully!!

I think the bottom line is, would someone else pay you 14% more?
If not then you have little to lose by being awkward.

garybarlowforpresident

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

Nope, sorry not been cut still and they have recognised the cost of living increases and negotiated in the past with the unions...hence your past % increases.

I don't blame you mind for trying to get more money...who wouldn't!

The OP should receive a cost of living payrise each year, as confirmed by custom and practice and in the handbook, both elements of their contract. If the OP does not receive this increase, then in real terms their pay has been cut.

Southend1, personally I do not believe in striking, however in a highly unionised industry such as HE I am aware of the power that the unions have and so can certainly understand your reasons for wanting to do so. As with zagfles, I have seen the results that unions can achieve.

Aside from the legal protections you have, I cannot see it doing you any harm. Your commitment to your job is measured by far more than the actions of one day.

Southend1

garybarlowforpresident wrote: »

Your commitment to your job is measured by far more than the actions of one day.

Thanks, that is definitely food for thought. I really like my job and work hard at it so hopefully this will count for something! I have had jobs in the past earning quite a bit more than working for the university but I really like the sense of satisfaction gained from watching the students on their graduation day and knowing that I played a small part in getting them through their studies. All I ask is that my employer acts fairly - after all I don't do 14% less work than 3 years ago so why should I suffer a 14% real terms pay cut over 3 years?

dickydonkin

garybarlowforpresident wrote: »

As with zagfles, I have seen the results that unions can achieve.

Great results indeed..........one of the reasons why all of our manufacturing industries upped sticks and headed East!

Not blaming unions per se, but the higher production costs, health and safety and workers rights are just some of the reasons why we have lost much of our manufacturing industry.

Southend1

dickydonkin wrote: »

Great results indeed..........one of the reasons why all of our manufacturing industries upped sticks and headed East!

Not blaming unions per se, but the higher production costs, health and safety and workers rights are just some of the reasons why we have lost much of our manufacturing industry.

I don't think a decent living wage, a safe workplace and a right not to be exploited or maltreated by employers are too much to ask for! I feel sorry for those in countries with less protection than here. As countries like China and Brazil get richer, we will see their workers gaining better protection and more rights. Perhaps rather than lamenting our lost industry we should be championing employee rights around the world and setting an example to others?

This thread has really gone off on a tangent now! So just to remind other posters that I originally asked for advice on the legal and practical implications of striking, not whether it is right or wrong to do so. I have already put a lot of thought into that and come to the conclusion that I am prepared to make a stand on this issue.