The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all
The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all and taking a toll on GMB members and their families. Ahead of submitting a pay claim for 2022/23, GMB London wanted to know what impact the increased cost of living is having on our members working in schools and to find out what pay rise they need.
Over 1000 members, who work in schools, took part in our poll and the results were shocking. 1 in 3 School Support Staff including teaching assistants, cleaners and catering staff, in London and East of England have used food banks or think they will need to use a food bank in the future. 80% of school staff are worse off than they were this time last year and it is clear soaring energy costs, increased fuel and food prices are having a devastating impact on standards of living and families are struggling.
The message from GMB London members is clear that any pay rise must be at least the same as the rate of inflation and this message will be taken forward to the national employer and to government. As the union for key workers who have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic, GMB is campaigning to ensure that they now get the recognition they deserve. We would not have gotten through the Corona virus without key workers and we cannot tolerate a situation whereby the staff who are feeding our children in schools cannot afford to feed themselves and their own children at home.
The government should be ashamed that 1in 3 key workers in schools are either using food banks or think they will need to be using food banks soon. Years of public sector pay freezes and below-inflation pay rises have taken a devastating toll on workers. School support staff who only get paid during term time are already having to make, on average 44 weeks, wages stretch over an entire year and this cost-of-living crisis is only going to make life more difficult.
GMB members in schools are telling us how low morale is and how undervalued they feel. Comments such as:
“Morale is low because of budget constraints and the decisions that are being made because of this and quite frankly, an hourly wage of less than £11 per hour for the job I do and the responsibilities I have is not worth it. I am considering changing jobs to an industry that pays fairly.”
and
“It's literally outrageous to be paid my hourly rate for what I do. I love my job and my school and don't want to look for another job, but I need better pay.”
were a common theme in the feedback section of the poll.
GMB will be calling for a pay rise of no less than the rate of inflation and for the employer to recognise the value of school support staff. GMB is clear that our members in schools not only deserve but need a real term pay increase to ensure they are not left worse off. GMB members will also be taking part in the TUC Demand Better March and Rally on Saturday 18th June to demonstrate the strength of feeling that workers deserve better pay, better working conditions and better prospects. GMB London - Demand Better March and Rally
Our strength is in our numbers so join GMB today and become part of making the difference where you work. Join GMB | GMB Together we are stronger and together we can make a difference.
Lisa Bangs, GMB London Region
