'Know that you are not alone'

Unite members employed by the financial regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in London and Edinburgh have commenced an historic strike action today (Wednesday, May 4). This industrial action is the first action since the inception of the regulator.

To mark the start of the strike, FCA staff will be outside the FCA head office from 8.45am to express their anger at the failure of their employer to address their concerns around pay, terms and conditions and lack of trade union recognition.

On the first day of strike action today – with additional strikes planned tomorrow (Thursday, May 5), and in June and July alongside working to rule on all non-strike days from May 6 – Unite general secretary Sharon Graham sent a special message of solidarity to the striking workers.

“I want to congratulate all our members at The Financial Conduct Authority for taking a stand against the disgraceful actions of the management under the leadership of the CEO, Nikhil Rathi,” she said.

“The imposition of changes to pay, terms and conditions at the FCA has left thousands of staff worse off. Management’s ludicrous claims that the changes will boost worker productivity has only added insult to injury,” Graham added. “And then by refusing to recognise your right to an independent trade union, they have really shown the depths to which they are prepared to sink. It is frankly disgusting that a public sector employer like the FCA thinks it can behave with such contempt towards its workers.

“Nobody takes industrial action lightly and I know this is the first strike in the history of the FCA,” she went on to say. “Know that you are not alone. Unite will stand behind you every step of the way. I will ensure that you have all the support you need. So, be proud and stay strong. The FCA must learn to respect its workers and table a serious offer.”

By UniteLive team