US public service union sends support

(03/07/13) UNISON local government members preparing to strike received their first international message of support today, as the US Service Employees International Union pledged its solidarity in the "fight for fair treatment".And the message stressed the importance of public services to our communities.The union's international president, Andrew L Stern, said that: "The 2 million members of the Service Employees International Union stand in solidarity with UNISON members across the United Kingdom in their struggle for decent wages."In refusing to pay workers wages that keep up with the rate of inflation, the local government employers' association is failing to respect the crucial work that public sector workers do in schools, streets, and homes across the UK."And he continued: "As one of the largest unions of public employees in the United States, we know firsthand why investing in public services is so important to both public workers and to everyone who benefits from their hard work."Decent wages are crucial to attracting and retaining qualified staff to take care of vital functions like teaching our children and keeping our streets clean. "We stand with you on July 16, 17 – and every other day of the year in your fight for fair treatment."