Advice to BASW/SWU members re: proposed public sector industrial action 13 March

To BASW and SWU Members

The Social Workers Union offers our wholehearted support to colleagues in public sector trade unions who are taking industrial action on Friday 13 March in defence of public services. SWU is equally committed to campaign with others to defend our services from the unwarranted attack based on political ideology. In the run up to the Westminster elections on 7 May it is essential the voice is heard of workers and people who use services. This is why SWU joined the austerity marches, and why we will support our colleagues on Friday through the measures set out below. Please make sure they know they have your support.

While we are not in a position to formally call for SWU members to take strike action, we would urge our members to support our colleagues on strike in any appropriate way possible. This would include not crossing picket lines (if there are any), undermining any working to rule or any other industrial action proposed.

The legal position on taking strike action is that if you are not a member of a Union, you have the right to refuse to cross a picket line. Equally, if you are a member of a Union not involved in the action, you have the right not to cross a picket line.

If you choose not to cross a picket line, your employer has the right to not pay you for the time you are not at work. They may regard you as being on strike and have the right to impose a break in service accordingly.

If you are not a member of the Union involved, you do not have the legal right to join their picket lines.

If BASW or SWU members have any queries about this, we can be emailed on aras@basw.co.uk or telephoned on 0121 622 8413.

We wish our colleagues success in their current campaign.

Bridget Robb

General Secretary

Social Workers Union