Tues 13 November 2007

Pay Claim for Scotland's local government staff lodged - One year claim for £1,000 pa or 5%

The shape of the forthcoming claim for a pay rise for over 220,000 local government staff in Scotland was submitted to the employers today at the Annual Meeting of the Scottish Joint Council in Dunkeld.

Local government unions UNISON, Unite and the GMB agreed that they would press for a one year claim of £1,000pa or 5% - whichever is the greater.

Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Officer and secretary of the trade union negotiators said. "This is a fair reward for the work that local government staff put in delivering our essential public services. We will be submitting the claim and the arguments that back that up to the employers today. The current two-year deal comes to an end in April 2008."

In addition to the pay element of the claim, the trade unions also want to seek an increase of 3 days annual leave (both at basic level and after five years service) and an extra one day public holiday.

Negotiations for local government staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have now concluded. The settlement date for their pay rise is April 2006.

ENDS

Notes for Editors: The meeting with the employers will take place on 14 November 2007 in Dunkeld

For Further Information Please Contact: Dougie Black - Secretary TU side 07958 121 851(m) Stephanie Herd - Chairperson UNISON Local Government Committee 07989 544 162(m) Chris Bartter - UNISON Communications Officer 07715 583 729(m)

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