Industrial action and sickness?

bubblegum6000

Hello

I was wondering if someone could help me. Tomorrow my workplace will be joining the PCS national strike.

I am a member of the union however wasn't going to walk out as I just cannot afford to!

Unfortunately I have managed to put my back out (due to work!) And have been off since Friday. My employer are now saying that if anyone is ill tomorrow that we must provide a sick note or it will be treated as strike action!

Are they able to do this? My doctor has no appointments and it is a complete waste of their time! Also if I do somehow manage to see them I will have to beg for a sick note as I am still able to self cert!

It's awful because I can't afford for it to be considered as a strike day and I also cant really force myself to go in to work (I can hardly wal let alone drive!)

Any advice gratefully received!

ohreally

bubblegum6000 wrote: »

I was wondering if someone could help me. Tomorrow my workplace will be joining the PCS national strike.

I am a member of the union however wasn't going to walk out as I just cannot afford to!

Unfortunately I have managed to put my back out (due to work!) And have been off since Friday. My employer are now saying that if anyone is ill tomorrow that we must provide a sick note or it will be treated as strike action!

Are they able to do this? My doctor has no appointments and it is a complete waste of their time! Also if I do somehow manage to see them I will have to beg for a sick note as I am still able to self cert!

It's awful because I can't afford for it to be considered as a strike day and I also cant really force myself to go in to work (I can hardly wal let alone drive!)

The PCS has been given a democratic mandate from its members to take strike action, as a member of the union you should recognise and respect this.

The cost of the decision to dodge the strike will be remembered be your colleagues long after your lost days wage is forgotten.

geri1965_2

OP, if your union wins you a pay rise will you refuse to take it?

C_Mababejive

Do you agree with and support the strike? If so man up and join your colleagues. Dont support it? turn up for work.. Really off sick? Is your sickness likely to exceed the self cert period? If so, tell your employer and get cert when required in a week or so..

bubblegum6000

Thanks for the responses - I do support the pay rise yes but last month's pay is missing a day from the last strike and due to a 3k bill on my car I really can't afford it!

I might just have to do it and apply to the hardship fund

I know I sound like a horrible scab but it just couldn't have come at a worse time and it is so close to the last one.

Sickness is likely to go over 7 days but I am on leave from Thursday (just to complicate it some more) so I will be better (hopefully!) In 2 weeks time!

Thanks for the responses

t0rt0ise

I believe that the employer is able to demand a sick certificate. It is a reasonable request. You need to see your GP and ask for a private certificate for which there will be a fee.

Southend1

It sounds like you really can't afford NOT to strike! Don't let your colleagues take all the burden of trying to get a pay award you will benefit from too (unless you plan to share out any increase you receive between your colleagues? No, didn't think so!)

Contact your shop steward and ask whether there will be any strike pay and make enquiries about hardship funds.

If you're still unwell then stay home on the day of the strike but if you're feeling up to it then I'm sure your colleagues would appreciate your support on the picket line.

agrinnall

What t0rt0ise said - this is the policy that was communicated to us by HR during recent strike action.

TELLIT01

The OP has been off work since last Friday and the strike is today (Wednesday) yet some here seem to be suggesting that the OP is a scab / parasite who is attempting to avoid his obligation to the Union. Are they seriously suggesting that the OP hasn't been genuinely sick and is just trying to avoid losing money for going on strike?
In respect of going on leave from Thursday that's really irrelevant to the requirement for an on-going medical certificate. If you are unfit for work you should obtain one if for no other reason than to be able to reclaim all or part of your leave days. If you obtain a cert from Thursday your employer may accept that to cover the Wednesday too.