Union solidarity round-up: 18 to 24 August

Workers at Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, are set to strike from August 26 to 29. Represented by PCS union, the workers are protesting over pay and staffing levels, with the action timed to coincide with the announcement of the new energy price cap. The union argues that staff are being stretched thin while facing increasing public scrutiny

Wrexham Council’s street scene workers will strike weekly from August 23 to November 14 over enforced Saturday shifts and cuts to overtime and holiday pay. Unite says the changes unfairly hit the lowest-paid while senior staff earn six-figure salaries. An overtime ban will also apply during the dispute.

Probation staff across England and Wales are being balloted for strike action by Napo over low pay, rising workloads, and threats to public safety. Many report relying on food banks and say they could earn more in retail, despite managing high-risk offenders.  Write to your MP to respect probation, pay probation.

UK Activity

Unison members in the Integrated Control Centre Educator team at North West Ambulance Service will strike on August 22, 26, 27, and 28 after management scrapped a key payment worth up to £3,000 a year. The union says the cut was made without consultation or notice, breaching agreed processes and threatening the quality of NHS 111 and emergency control room training.  Sign the petition in support of the strikers.

Housing staff at Hackney Council will strike from August 19–20 and 26–28 after 92% of Unison members voted for action against restructure plans that threaten 89 of 100 jobs. Workers warn the proposals will increase workloads and are calling for support on picket lines outside Hackney Service Centre.

CrossCountry Rail staff will strike on August 23 and 25, with ticket scanners walking out on August 24, over disputes around pay for rest days and Sunday working, and claims of unfair treatment compared to managers. The RMT led action will disrupt services across major UK cities during the Bank Holiday weekend.

International

Auslan interpreters in Tasmania, Australia, are on strike demanding fair pay and recognition for their essential role in supporting deaf communities. The interpreters, represented by Professionals Australia, argue that their work is undervalued and underpaid, despite being critical to public service delivery.

In Ukraine, railway workers have secured a pay rise following union pressure, even as they continue to operate under the extreme conditions of war. The victory is seen as a significant achievement for labour rights in a country where public services and worker protections are under severe strain.

Globally, trade unions at the WTO Public Forum are calling for enforceable labour rights in international trade agreements. Union leaders warn that without binding protections, trade deals risk undermining workers’ rights and deepening global inequality.