162 branches responded to consultation over the three main elements of the pay claim for 2010/11. By overwhelming majorities of 99%, 97% and 98% respectively, UNISON branches have said they want:
· A one year increase
· A £500 flat rate increase or 2.5% - whichever is the greater
· Improvements to conditions to be kept separate from the pay claim.
This would mean a 4.3% increase for those on the lowest scale point (£12 145) and 2.5% for those on scale point 23 (£20,198) and above. Overall, it would mean an approximate 2.8% increase on the pay bill.
NJC Executive Meeting
A Trade Union Side NJC Executive meeting took place on Tuesday, 13 October between UNISON, UNITE and the GMB where our consultation results were discussed and the position of the other trade unions was explored. Whilst we remain committed to delivering a pay claim as early as possible, in line with conference recommendations, the GMB position will not become clear until after their pay consultation meeting on 20 October. UNITE also want to submit the claim as early as possible. It is the continuing aim of all three trade unions within the NJC to submit a joint claim. A joint Trade Union Side meeting will take place on 26 October to finalise the claim. It is likely that a full NJC meeting will also be held with the employers on the same day.
It's hard to keep positive without beinga Pollyanna, but the fact that UNISON branches have recognise the need for regressive pay settlements to help the lowest paid is great news. Let's hope that we get realistic negotiation instead of posturing from the employers' side this year.
ReplyDeleteIts a complete joke, local gov workers have not had a rise for over a year we have no prospect of a rise in the future. Those of us promised £250 in the budget because we are low paid have not seen this honoured. Quite how people are supposed to make ends meet is beyond me.We are told that we are lucky to have a job, well I don't feel very bloody lucky.
ReplyDeleteUnison(and the other T U's)are not as high profile as they ought to be on this issue, if ever there was a time for joint nationwide action against the tide of greed and mismanagement that have left the poorest people paying the highest price for the stupidity of the richest then it is surely right now.