AFG workers set to begin seven-day strike

Over 650 UNISON members employed by the Alternative Futures Group (AFG) begin seven days of strike action on Tuesday over cuts to their income.

AFG has cut back care support workers’ pay for sleep-in shifts. This will cost some staff as much as £2,000 per year. The care support workers are only paid at the level of the minimum wage for their regular hours and many are now struggling to stay in the care sector due to not being paid adequately at night.

UNISON has offered to meet with AFG for negotiations aimed at averting the strike, but the company has rejected this.

Staff have received great support, with a public petition amassing more than 13,000 signatures.

UNISON North West regional convenor Paula Barker said: “AFG staff and council commissioners are furious that AFG senior managers have refused to negotiate to resolve the dispute.

“AFG’s pay cuts are jeopardising the future provision of care services for vulnerable people, as experienced and skilled care staff are being driven out of the sector.

“AFG’s senior management have been entrusted with providing a very important public service, but their actions are both unjust and reckless.

“AFG need to get back round the table and enter into serious talks to get this matter resolved.”

Merseyside care support worker Emma said: “It is a struggle to get by on the minimum wage and we can’t afford a cut to my income. I love working with the service users, but I’m having to consider leaving because we can’t pay the bills.

“We want AFG to listen and to pay us fairly for sleep-ins. We need this matter to be sorted out now.”

A public rally will take place on Friday 10 May at 12noon at St George’s Hall steps in Liverpool. It will be addressed by UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis, striking care workers, local MPs and Ms Barker.

The article AFG workers set to begin seven-day strike first appeared on the UNISON National site.

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