"left poorer every year by derisory pay offers"

At the Centre for International Trade in Bristol, we deal with the UK-wide administration of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), an international treaty involving 184 countries. We process applications to import and export endangered animals and plants and related products, such as live zoo animals, ivory, caviar, reptile leather products, and the UK's large export industry of live falcons. We have a responsibility to ensure that all trade in these items is sustainable, the items are legally sourced and that any trade in these animals and plants is not detrimental to the species in the wild. We also ensure that trade flows as smoothly as possible, supporting large industries such as live plant importers, the antiques trade and the luxury goods/high fashion industries.

I joined CIT Bristol in November 2020, taking a pay-cut from my previous job. Since then I've seen my pay eroded by rent increases, food price inflation and energy costs. I am striking because I believe that all civil servants deserve fair pay for the work that we do. The wages offered to civil servants are not reflective of the hard work and in-depth knowledge required to fulfil many roles, and the important responsibilities we carry out which allow the government to function. We deserve to be paid enough to cover our bills, and shouldn't be left poorer every year by derisory pay offers.