Striking mental health workers from Norfolk and Waveney Mind are heading to Parliament next week to talk to MPs about why they’ve been forced to walk out, says UNISON today.
Counsellors who provide talking therapy services for patients with long-term or complicated mental health problems are on strike on Wednesday 25 June in a dispute over pay.
Staff will head to London that day to meet their MPs and urge them to intervene on their behalf.
Workers say are being paid trainee rates, despite being fully qualified, says UNISON.
Counsellors have already taken one day’s strike action in May. Last week they launched action short of strike, which means they are refusing to take on any new high-intensity cases.
UNISON Eastern regional organiser Cameron Matthews said: “Counsellors have spent more than two years trying to persuade Mind to pay them properly, but the charity refuses to listen.
“Senior managers are tying themselves in knots trying to justify undervaluing their therapists.
“All staff want is proper recognition and fair pay for the work they do.”
A counsellor, who did not wish to be named, said: “Counselling is not just a job, it’s a way of life. But we can’t stand by while Mind undervalues us and the service we provide.
“We’re not asking for a pay rise. We just want to be paid correctly. Mind is refusing to listen so we’re having to take our case to MPs in the hope they can intervene on our behalf.”