Unions reject local government pay offer

Local government unions have rejected an improved pay offer of
three per cent, in the latest round of pay talks,
writes Jonathan Pearce.

Unison, which represents over two-thirds of the 1.2 million
strong local government workforce, described the bid as “a third
class pay offer for a workforce trying to build world class public
services”.

Last December, the unions tabled a claim of an increase of
£1,750 per year or six per cent, whichever is higher, and last
month they rejected the employers’ first offer of a 2.5 per
cent increase.

Councillor Brian Baldwin, chairperson of the employers’
side, said the latest offer was “the best that we can make”,
adding: “No-one working in local government should be under any
illusion that there is more money available.”

But Unison local government national officer Malcolm Wing said
the offer was “bitterly disappointing”, particularly for those
workers on less than £5 an hour.

“It is a kick in the teeth, particularly given (last
week’s) 3.6 pay offer to low paid workers in the NHS. The
message seems to be that the NHS values its staff, local government
does not,” he added.

No further pay talks have been scheduled while the unions
consult with their members. The results are expected to be known by
mid-April.