More than 80 staff at the Oldham council-owned provider MioCare will walk out for 48 hours over two days on October 4 and 5. Unison, the trade union representing the workers, said the dispute was over wages and sick pay.
Previous strike and unresolved dispute
In September, there was a 24-hour strike on September 21. After this, Unison said MioCare failed to make an offer to resolve the dispute.
The staff involved in the dispute work in extra care providing support for those who need assistance to live more independently. Unison members are demanding to be paid the same as care workers in other parts of MioCare, with the union claiming some workers are earning £2.10 less than their colleagues.
Sick pay demands and worker testimony
The workers are also demanding the introduction of a sick pay scheme, which other MioCare staff receive. The union also claims one employee received just £45 in a month when they could not work due to an injury sustained on the job.
This worker previously told the LDRS: “I had to borrow from relatives and ended up £1,500 in debt, and in arrears for my bills and rent. I couldn’t afford my food shop.
“It was really difficult, just a huge extra stress on top of dealing with my ill health. This is really hard, skilled work, and the way they treat us is disgusting.”
Union and company responses
UNISON North West regional organiser James Bull said: “Last week’s strike showed the strength of feeling among extra care staff, with service users and passers by showing their support. Staff doing similar jobs for the same employer shouldn't be paid substantially less or denied the sick pay their colleagues receive.
“These are dedicated care workers providing vital support to people who rely on them every day. Going on strike is never an easy decision, but staff are determined to secure fair treatment.
“MioCare and Oldham Council must act now to resolve the dispute and ensure workers are paid and valued equally.”
MioCare was created by Oldham Council in 2013, and was reported to be in good financial health earlier this year. However, the firm has been asked to cut around £1.4m as part of the council’s 2025/26 budget measures.
Adrian McCourt, Interim Managing Director of the MioCare Group, said: “Our Extra Care teams make a real difference every day through their dedication, professionalism and compassion, and we greatly value the contribution they make to the people we support.
“This is why we listened carefully to the views of UNISON and our employees and gave their pay claim full consideration. While we understand the reasons behind it, the Board concluded that the proposal is not affordable and could not be sustained in the long term without placing additional pressure on the future delivery of care.
“We are disappointed that industrial action has been announced, but we remain committed to constructive discussions with UNISON to seek a positive way forward.
“Our priority remains the wellbeing of the people we support. Robust plans are in place to maintain safe, high-quality services and minimise disruption for residents and their families.”
