Police and Careers staff actions pay off

by Chris Bartter

The first strike action in the history of Scotland's police staff negotiations has squeezed a new offer out of Scottish employers.

And in a separate dispute, the threat of action by UNISON members in Careers Scotland was called off after it brought agreement on a commitment from Scottish Enterprise to a new pay system (click here).

The police strike began at a minute past midnight on 25 August, with the walkout of control room staff, information assistants, reception and fingerprint staff. Picket lines were set up at Police HQs across Scotland and got wide media coverage.

The very successful day of action followed a ballot of Scotland's 4,000 UNISON police staffs after pay negotiations with CoSLA broke down. But after the action, the employers came up with an increased offer on 8 September, recognising the increasing involvement of police staffs in modernisation.

As we went to press, UNISON was recommending support for the new offer and further strike action has suspended until members deliver their verdict.

Anne Russell, UNISON Regional Organiser (Police) said. "A new offer of 3.4% for this year and 2.5% for 2006 has been made by Scottish employers and UNISON negotiators are recommending this to their members.

"Members' solid strike action last month has pushed CoSLA into a new offer which more accurately reflects the value of the work that they do. They must be congratulated on their successful action."

Raymond Brown, Chair of the TU negotiators, said "I am very pleased that a settlement appears to be in sight. "We have always said that Police staff are vital to the modernisation process and have been key to most recent developments. "This gives some recognition in their pay of this key role, therefore we feel comfortable in recommending this offer to our members.

"Resulting from these positive negotiations, the trade unions have agreed to suspend all industrial action pending the outcome of consultation with members."

Police staffs in Scotland play an increasing role in delivering services for the police - allowing them to concentrate on front-line policing. They are at the heart of most of the modernisation and new technological advances being introduced into today's policing yet they can earn as little as £11,500 a year.

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