Unite announces four days of strike action over public sector pay dispute

Unite the Union has called for strike action across the public sector in Gibraltar as part of an ongoing dispute over public sector pay.

The announcement follows what the union described as a lack of progress in discussions with the Government of Gibraltar. A meeting held on August 6 to discuss the outcome of a union ballot and public sector pay did not result in a resolution. Correspondence sent to the Government on August 7 has not received a response, and a meeting planned for August 20 was cancelled at short notice and has not been rearranged.

As a result, Unite has called for strike action on September 11, 17 and 25, and October 1.

Unite’s National Officer for Gibraltar, Stuart Davies, said: “Unite does not take lightly the calling of strike action.”

“However in light of the union’s mandate from members following the ballot of all public sector members and diminishing engagement with the Government since the meeting on August 6, the union has moved to calling strike action across four separate days.

“I have written to the Chief Minister today detailing the proposed action and have once again invited further discussions and dialogue in an attempt to find a resolution to this dispute.”

Mr Davies said Unite does not intend to compromise safety and has invited discussions around derogations to ensure essential services continue during strike action.

Derogations are agreed roles and personnel who will continue working during strike action to ensure safety is maintained.

“The union wrote to the GHA and Care Agency on July 23 to commence advanced talks on derogations,” Mr Davies said.

“Meetings were held on August 1 and 6 respectively, however whilst a proposed plan was received from the Care Agency last week, we have received nothing to date from the GHA.”

Mr Davies also said the union had raised concerns over pay parity with the UK.

“The union has raised a number of issues in the correspondence dated August 7 around public sector pay and particularly on the point of pay parity with the UK which echoes the points raised in the Unite pay claim back in January.

“These remain outstanding despite claims at Budget 2025 that not a shred of evidence has or can be produced to show any issues around parity.

“This evidence was provided in January 2025 and also prior to that date, then again in the letter dated August 7.”

“That evidence is writ large and requires a resolution if the pay parity principles are to continue to be observed.”

He said the union was on Wednesday communicating with members and shop stewards about the proposed action but remained open to talks with the Government.

“The union remains committed to finding a resolution to this dispute, is ready and available to meet with the Government for as many times and for as long as is required to seek that resolution and to avoid industrial action, as we do not consider that the parties are that far apart,” Mr Davies said.