Wigan drug and alcohol rehab workers vote for strike action again

In total 30 members of trade union Unison were balloted for industrial action and every one who responded supported strikes, with the turnout being 87 per cent.

Workers have taken 16 days of action previously over the issue of staff who transferred from the NHs not receiving the full health service rates of pay, which has yet to be resolved.

The support workers postponed all action during the lockdown period but have become frustrated by their employer’s failure to settle the dispute and could now strike again in September, Unison said..

However, We Are With You criticised the union, claiming multiple offers to resolve the dispute had been made but there had been an unwillingness to negotiate.

It also expressed dismay at the possibility of further strike action but said it was committed to resolving the dispute.

The decision comes as the trade union released a report claiming We Are With You will deny the borough's economy almost £1.4m over the five-year contract with Wigan Council.

The report suggests the average ex-NHS We Are With You worker stands to lose £7,870 with some set for a shortfall as high as £10,974.

In total, the ex-NHS staff in Wigan and Leigh will lose out on £230,000 in wages over the duration of the contract, it says.

The report then says staff recruited directly by We Are With You are on lower rates of pay than ex-NHS employees and includes this in its calculations to come up with a total figure for lost wages of £1.84m.

This reduces the spending power of the economy in Wigan and Leigh by £1.38m, the report claims..

Paddy Cleary, Unison regional organiser, said: “Having paused industrial action for the benefit of service users, our members had hoped that their gesture of goodwill would be reciprocated by their employer.

"Unfortunately, We Are With You still refuse to apply the NHS pay rates they previously promised to uphold.

“In voting for strike action, this dedicated group of support workers have once again shown their togetherness and determination to secure an ongoing commitment to NHS pay rates.

"Our members understand that without a consolidated NHS pay award, accepting any offer from We Are With You would amount to voting for pay cuts.

“Drug and alcohol workers provide a key public service and contribute to the local economy. The report clearly shows that We Are With You are not only underpaying their own staff, they are sucking money out of the local economy.

“The money that they have funnelled into their London-based organisation should have been spent in small businesses in Wigan and Leigh. Charities should not be allowed to play the role of facilitating pay cuts for keyworkers.”

A spokesperson for We Are With You said: “As a charity, we’re committed to providing the best possible support for people who use our treatment services, whilst also providing our staff with a fair wage and good working conditions.

"This is true for all our services, from Cornwall to Wigan, to the north of Scotland. Cuts to local authority budgets have significantly reduced funding for drug and alcohol services in recent years, meaning this can be a tough balance to achieve.

"We are proud of our service in Wigan. Throughout the recent pandemic we have found innovative ways to continue supporting anyone in the area experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol, including virtual group sessions and prescribing.

"The people who use our service have repeatedly praised our quick reactions to keep offering support.

“We have now made three significant offers to end the dispute, but Unison has unfortunately not shown any willingness to negotiate a fair deal.

"We are disappointed that further strike action could take place and are committed to trying to work through the issues in a way that is fair and sustainable for our staff, the people who use our services and the local community.”