Shetland backs single status deal

UNISON members have voted overwhelmingly to accept Shetland Islands Council’s Single Status pay offer. 90% voted to accept in a 50% ballot return.

Brian Smith, Branch Chair said: “This is great news for low paid women in Shetland, many of whom will receive substantial pay rises and compensation for being underpaid in the past. The council has invested heavily in the new pay scheme with the result that the pay gap between women and men has been narrowed.

“It has been a long slog but we are delighted to have achieved this outcome with the overwhelming support of members.”

Brian added: “In 2007, the council put forward an appalling offer to staff. It didn’t deliver equality for women and more than 1000 people were going to lose money. It was thanks to the members of UNISON campaigning that this vastly improved offer was issued.

“Whilst it is still is regrettable that anyone is going to lose money, the scale and the extent of this loss has been greatly reduced and we have a salary protection scheme to assist those facing difficulty. The Council are going to give three years of preservation for these people.”

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