12th September 2024
In the spring of 2024, Valley Vets workers, as part of the BVU, entered collective pay negotiations with Vet Partners, for improved pay and conditions. Vet Partners derisory pay offer was rejected unanimously by the BVU members at Valley Vets, and when Vet Partners refused to continue negotiations, the members voted for industrial action.
Workers at Valley Vets have been on strike for six weeks – they are asking for FAIR FEES; FAIR PAY; SMALLER PROFITS.
Last week, the workers at Valley Vets, adjusted their negotiation position, for the second consecutive time, in the hope that Vet Partners would consider engaging in negotiation. They refused once more.
What do the staff at Valley Vets want?
- 10% pay rise for support staff – taking all staff to the Real Living Wage of £12ph.
- 5% pay rise for RVNs
- 2.5% pay rise for vets
- 12 weeks full pay and 12 weeks half pay contractual maternity pay, an increase from the current 8 weeks full pay and 12 weeks half pay. Vet Partners have the worst gender pay gap of the “big six” Veterinary corporations.
- 4 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay contractual sick pay, an increase from the current 2 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay.
Clinical staff at Valley Vets have suffered real term pay cuts in recent years and these increases would still only go part of the way to rectifying the real terms pay cuts they’ve faced over this time.
The above pay claim also excludes the opposed and imposed award rejected by members. It is not a demand, rather a position. Any offer of improved pay or conditions could be put to the members to ballot.
How can you help?
We are grateful on an ongoing basis for the financial support and solidarity demonstrated far and wide for our campaign for fair fees, fair pay and smaller profits.
We are still accepting donations to the strike fund, please continue to donate if you are able to.
Bank details: Unite NW/6821 British Veterinary Union, Sort Code: 60 − 83 − 01, Account: 20324944, Reference: “Valley”
THANK YOU!