Green Party

Today I attended the rally in Norwich city centre for the strike being held by public sector workers. Unison and Unite trade union members are striking because of the poor pay deal offered to them by the Government. 

Local government employees are being given a 2.45% pay increase - below the rate of inflation and well below the increases in the cost of living that have occurred in the last year. To make matters worse for these workers, there is the cumulative effect of ten years of below inflation pay increases they have been given.

As Leader of the Opposition on Norwich City Council I felt it important to go along and show my support for the City Council and Norfolk County Council employees who were striking. The Green Party Councillors had already sent a letter of support to the trade unions and this and my presence at the rally were much appreciated.

When I arrived at the rally I was asked to address the gathered crowd alongside the trade union reps who were speaking. I was delighted to give this message of support and I was very encouraged that many people there saw the Greens as the natural party to be backing their cause.

There were some Labour County Councillors present (although no Labour City Councillors) but they didn't take the opportunity they were given to speak. No LibDem or Conservative Councillors attended to show their support for the council employees.

The leaflet being given out by Unison at the rally says: “We empty your bins, clean your schools, conduct your marriages and civil partnerships, care for your parks, check the safety of your food and look after your children in nurseries, schools and in care. And so much more.”

It’s a fact: local government employees deliver crucial services to communities across the country and yet many of them are amongst the lowest paid in the economy. They must be given a fair pay deal.

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