Branches and members will have by now received the results of the ballot over the NJC pay offer. As a result of the ‘Yes' vote, the industrial action committee has given the go ahead for all-out strike action on 16 and 17 July.

Taking strike action is never an easy decision for members or this union. We prefer to do what we do best – provide quality services for the public. But having won a ‘Yes' vote for action, it is now up to the union at all levels to deliver on that action and make the employers come back to the negotiating table.

And that means all of us. We need stewards and reps who are in daily contact with members to get the maximum possible turnout. Members facing the expense of summer holidays and new school uniforms might wonder whether losing pay in a strike is worth it. We have to convince them that it's the strength of turnout which will make the strike successful.

A large turnout will send a clear message to the employers that they must improve their offer and show members the respect they deserve.

UNISON will be putting all its resources into making sure that our members on NJC pay and conditions – the worst in the public sector – make this action a huge success and get the employers back to the negotiating table. Please support your union – together we can make a difference.

Why should I strike?

UNISON's local government members in England, Northern Ireland and Wales voted ‘Yes' for a sustained and escalating programme of strike action over this year's pay offer. The first 48-hour walkout will go ahead on 16 and 17 July. Make sure you're there. By supporting the strike, you can send a clear message to the employers that pay is an issue that will not go away.

Why should I strike?

Inflation is still rising and is set to continue. The 2.45% pay offer is already a pay cut. So is the 3.3% for the lowest paid. Food is up 6%, transport 7%, mortgages 8%, electricity and gas 15%. Pay in the private sector is rising by 4%.

I don't agree with the pay offer - but why strike action?

You are doing more for less. Pay rises have been below inflation for five years. It's time to take a stand against low pay.

Is my pay really that bad?

Local government workers have the worst pay and conditions in the public sector. Three-quarters of the workforce are women, but there's a 40% gap between part-time women's and full-time men's hourly pay. A 2.45% pay rise will have a damaging effect on women's pay and would widen the gap between local government pay and rest of economy too.

Shouldn't I be more worried about losing my job through ‘efficiencies'?

We know jobs are being lost. The union will fight to protect them. But we need to make a stand on pay now to protect your standard of living and show that we value what we do for local communities – even if the employers don't.

Can local government employers afford to pay more?

Local government has saved money through efficiencies delivered by you but is not sharing the benefits with you. Councils can't afford not to pay and treat you better if they want continuous improvement in service delivery.

Non-schools reserves total £11,605 billion – their highest-ever level, having more than doubled since 2002. During this time you have received below-inflation pay awards.

According to a recent update, local authorities in England alone are reporting cashable gains of £763 million by the end of the 2007/08 financial year – none of which has been invested in our members providing services.

At the same time, council tax has fallen in real terms by 0.3% this year – for the first time since 1994.

But the government won't change its pay policy - will it?

Pressure made the government find £2.7billion to rescue people hit by scrapping the 10p tax band. It can change its mind again. And we've already told the employers that it's ‘no deal'.

The low pay offer is only for one year. Wouldn't it be better to ride it out?

You need to take action now. Pay settlements have been low for the past five years. While this offer is for one year, the government wants three-year deals. The employers have said that they want to settle pay for 2009 and 2010 and review your conditions by December 2008; they aren't going to get much higher.

Will l lose pay when I'm on strike?

Your employer won't pay you and there won't be strike pay, but branches do have discretion to help members with hardship payments for those who need it most.

Can I really afford to strike? Money is so tight at the moment.

We know it's a tough decision. But doing nothing now will mean even more hardship next year. Your pay is not keeping up with price rises.

Will my employer pick on me?

You aren't alone. UNISON has over 600,000 members in local government and other employers delivering services for councils. If we stand together, they can't pick us off. And they'll know we mean business.

I'm not a member but I want to strike.

Non-members can join the union at any time, and can still take part in the action.