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Date: Monday 2 August 2010
Overwhelming rejection of local government pay offer
UNISON Scotland today announced the result of a consultative
pay ballot of its local government members. A total of 80% voted
to reject the council pay offer, which was for a 3 year deal of
1% in the first year, 0% in the second and 0.5% in the third.
UNISON and the other main unions had recommended a no vote.
Stephanie Herd, Chair of UNISON’s Scottish Local Government Committee,
said: “This overwhelming rejection shows how strongly our members
feel about an offer that is in reality a three year pay cut. “Not
only would our members and their families lose out, it would be
bad news for local economies across Scotland as members have less
money to spend in local shops and businesses.
"It is not surprising that our members feel angry and voted no,
when chief officials in local authorities were awarded 2.5% and
teachers 2.4%.
“It is unacceptable to attempt to tie many of the lowest paid
public sector workers, who deliver essential front line services,
into a 3 year deal worth 1.5%.”
Dougie Black, UNISON trade union side secretary and lead negotiator,
said: “We are meeting with members of our Local Government Committee
today and with the other unions later this week to decide on the
next steps in our pay campaign.
“Industrial action is one of a range of possible options we
will be considering. “We will also be seeking an early meeting
with the employers to re-open negotiations following this decisive
rejection of their offer.”
ends
Notes for editors:
1. Three unions make up the trade union side of the Scottish
Joint Council: UNISON, Unite, GMB.
2. Both Unite and GMB held their own consultative arrangements
over a similar timescale, resulting in rejection of the offer.
3. UNISON represents around 100,000 Scottish Council staff.
4. The unions’ claim is for a one year deal of 3% or £600, whichever
is the greater. It includes a £7 per hour minimum wage, with the
settlement weighted towards the lower paid.
Stay in touch with UNISON Scotland's latest news releases on our website http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/news/index.html and frequent updates on our blog http://unison-scotland.blogspot.com/
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