Barnet depot workers consider strike over holiday pay
Unison has given the council until October 9th to offer a better resolution to a 12-year holiday pay dispute.
Incident → evidence → outcomeWaste, recycling, and street cleansing staff employed by Barnet Council are moving closer to industrial action. This follows the rejection of the council's latest offer to resolve a long-standing dispute over unpaid holiday pay. The union representing the workers has issued an ultimatum, stating that the council's next proposal will determine whether a formal strike ballot is initiated.
The origins of the dispute
The issue came to light a year ago when employees noticed a new holiday pay element on their payslips. This occurred after Barnet Council switched payroll providers from Capita to Liberata. The new system revealed that staff who regularly worked overtime had not received holiday pay for 12 years, despite legislation being in place since before 2012. Workers subsequently questioned why these payments had been missed and if they would be repaid.
Unison Barnet took up the case and initially secured an offer from the council for six months' backpay, described as a 'goodwill payment'. The council stated it could not afford more. This offer was rejected by the workers in a consultative ballot held in August.
Second offer rejected, strike looms
On September 21st, the council presented a second offer of 18 months' backpay. Following a week-long consultative ballot with over 90% turnout, the workers again rejected this proposal. John Burgess, Barnet Unison branch secretary, told the Barnet Post that the workers felt insulted by the offer. He stated that the employees are seeking six years of backpay, rather than the full twelve, and have suggested payment in instalments.
Mr Burgess emphasised that the workers are seeking payment for work they have completed and are owed. Unison Barnet and its members have given Barnet Council until Friday, October 9th, to present a significantly improved offer. Failure to do so will result in the union declaring a formal dispute, potentially leading to strike ballots in November and industrial action in December.
Unanswered questions remain regarding the council's awareness of the payroll errors and its engagement with the former provider, Capita. A Capita spokesperson stated that their services were delivered according to the council's direction and contract terms. A council spokesperson previously indicated discussions were ongoing with Capita about the situation's origins.
Council response and next steps
Simon Radford, Labour's cabinet member for finance, expressed empathy for the workers' situation. He acknowledged that past contract management issues contributed to the problem, stating that the council is now working with a more effective provider. He added that the council wishes to ensure justice for past issues without compromising future service delivery.
Mr Radford conveyed a willingness to find a solution. Responding to this, Mr Burgess indicated that if Councillor Radford engages, the union will allow him to do so, hoping for a sensible resolution to avoid potential Christmas picket lines. The union awaits the council's revised offer by the October 9th deadline.
Questions this report answers
01What is the main issue causing potential strike action?
Depot workers are considering strike action due to Barnet Council's handling of a dispute over holiday pay. Payments for holiday pay were not made for 12 years by the previous payroll provider, Capita, and workers are seeking backdated compensation.
02What offers has Barnet Council made so far?
Barnet Council has made two offers to resolve the holiday pay dispute. The first was for six months' backpay, which was rejected. The second offer was for 18 months' backpay, which was also rejected by the workers.
03What is the deadline for Barnet Council to make a better offer?
Unison Barnet has given Barnet Council until Friday, October 9th, to present a more acceptable offer to the workers. If a satisfactory proposal is not made by this date, the union plans to declare a formal dispute and proceed with strike ballots.
04What do the workers want as a resolution?
The workers are seeking payment for the holiday pay they are owed, which amounts to 12 years of underpayments. They have indicated a willingness to accept six years of backpay and have proposed payment in instalments as a compromise.
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