Unions attack ‘derisory’ pay offer

Local government unions have warned that hundreds of thousands
of council workers will be “dismayed” at the
“derisory” pay offer from local government employers,
writes Clare Jerrom.

Employers proposed a 7 per cent pay increase over three years as
well as a joint review of conditions of services to look at issues
such as maternity pay and annual leave.

But Unison, GMB and the Transport and General Workers Union
believe the offer will not deliver decent pay to “hardworking
local public service workers”.

Mick Graham, GMB national secretary for public
services, attacked the offer as “insulting”, and said
it would not address key issues facing workers. “It would
exacerbate recruitment and retention problems already facing vital
services in our communities.”

“It is a slap in the face for hardworking and low paid
local government workers,” he added.

The union’s pay and conditions claim included a 4 per cent
increase plus £200 on all jobs apart from the lowest three pay
grades which would be abolished to bring the lowest paid workers up
to a higher level.

They also called for an increase of four per cent on all
allowances, an increase in basic annual leave entitlement and
improvements in maternity and paternity leave.