Recap: Second day of EA strikes

Environment Agency workers across the country walked out yesterday, in their second day of strike action over pay this year.

UNISON’s head of environment, Donna Rowe-Merriman, said: “EA members will not be ignored on the issue of pay any longer. They have taken strike action to ensure their issues are recognised by the public – and by their employer.

“Our members will not be pushed from pillar to post – they want action from this government to resolve pay, now, for their families and to prevent more staff from leaving the agency.

“The onus lies with the chancellor – to allow the agency to engage fully with the EA trade unions to seek a resolution for the 2022/23 pay round, and to ensure that a robust process is in place for 2023/24 pay discussions.”

Photographer Marcus Rose was on hand at the Environment Agency’s Marsham Street offices in London, where UNISON and Prospect members were picketing.

Some highlights from the rest of the country

It’s starting to warm up! Great support for our picket at Canterbury today. #EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/r81joqkWVE

— Unison EA South (@UnisonEAsouth) February 8, 2023

UNISON & Prospect standing together on the Leeds picket line – it's a beautiful thing!#EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/w5Y6OeArAt

— UNISON Environment Agency Yorks & Ne (@UnisonEAYorks) February 8, 2023

https://twitter.com/Greg4Broxtowe/status/1623379231215349760?s=20&t=bi9lBtNV9YoTp0WbhYRGnQ

Out early on the UNISON and @ProspectUnion picket lines in Essex, Sheffield and Shrewsbury

Environment agency workers play an invaluable role in protecting the environment and tackling the #ClimateCrisis

#EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/2vFuzdlTnS

— UNISON – UK's largest union (@unisontheunion) February 8, 2023

https://twitter.com/UNISONSW/status/1623279772460539906?s=20&t=bi9lBtNV9YoTp0WbhYRGnQ

More photos from the Environment Agency strike in Newcastle today. Lots of public support and beeping of horns.

Workers are on strike over a pitiful 2% pay offer that goes nowhere near helping with the cost of living.#EAFairPay pic.twitter.com/7B8zYwog8b

— UNISON Northern (@NorthernUNISON) February 8, 2023