Support for our staff

We’ve been overwhelmed by the messages of support and financial assistance that have flooded in from other Trade Unions and Branches across the UK and European Financial Sectors. It has brought real meaning to the term ‘solidarity’ for our members as we take industrial action. On behalf of every member, we say a heartfelt thank you.

We would like to express our particular thanks to the following individuals and organisations.

Members of Parliament:
- Angela Rayner MP (Deputy Leader, Labour)
- Rachel Reeves MP (Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Labour)
- Tulip Siddiq MP (Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Labour)
- James Murray MP (Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Labour)
- Vicky Foxcroft MP (Shadow DWP Minister, Labour)
- Charlotte Nichols MP (Labour)
- Jackie Baillie (Deputy Leader, Scottish Labour)
- Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz MP (Labour)
- Joanna Cherry MP (SNP)
- Caroline Lucas MP (Green Party)

Unite Branches:
- Unite London Digital and Tech Branch
- Unite Retired Members’ Branch
- Unite Bank of England Branch
- Unite AXA Insurance Branch

Other UK trade union bodies:
- Manchester Trades Union Council
- PSC Competition and Markets Authority Branch

EU trade union bodies:
- Standing Committee for European Central Banks Unions
- UNI Europa
- Fiansforbundet (Denmark)
- Comisiones Obreras (Spain)

Below are a selection of messages of support we have received from UK politicians and high profile figures who have been kind enough to publicly support our staff as we seek to find a solution with the FCA.

“I offer my full support to all staff engaged in Industrial Action at the Financial Conduct Authority.

The punishing pay cuts being faced by hard-working staff are reprehensible and the FCA must listen to the concerns of the staff urgently. Following the last two years of exemplary service, workers are left feeling ignored and undervalued, with no choice but to take industrial action for the first time in FCA and PSR history.

The weight of this decision must be recognised by the FCA and I would urge them to get round the negotiating table.

I stand with staff as they fight for a recognised union, better pay and conditions and fair performance reviews, and call on the FCA to meet these terms as a matter of urgency.”

Jackie Baillie MSP

Deputy Leader, Scottish Labour

“I am sorry I cannot join you on the picket line today for this first strike in the history of the FCA. I know that striking is not a course of action you have chosen without serious thought. FCA staff have the right to be treated with dignity at work, their commitment valued and their service respected. So on behalf of the Green Party, I am sending this message of solidarity. We stand with you, as you stand up for what’s right and fair. And we join the call for your voices to be heard as part of constructive negotiations with FCA management over any changes to pay and conditions, and for trade unions and union rights to be fully recognised by the FCA.”

Caroline Lucas MP

Former Leader of the Green Party

“Solidarity with the FCA’s Unite Branch and their decision to take industrial action.

Forcing hard-wording public servants to take a pay cut during a cost-of-living crisis is unjust, and I hope this action leads to constructive talks and the recognition of the branch by senior management.”

Vicky Foxcroft

Shadow Minister for Disabled People, Labour

“Trade unions play a vital role in ensuring a workforce has a collective voice and tackling issues of concern. Attracting and retaining people is also an important part of any organisation’s success, which is one reason why so many financial institutions have a trade union recognition agreement.

With this in mind, I fully support your efforts to win recognition and with it ensure that workplace issues are constructively addressed.”

Rachel Reeves

Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Labour

As a Branch, we represent members and staff from across the political spectrum. As such, we welcome the support and messages from politicians of all mainstream political backgrounds, though this does not infer our support as a branch for these politicians or political parties.

If you would like to offer your support for our staff looking to find a solution with the FCA at this time, please do email us at uniteatfca@gmail.com