Most Unison branches set to agree pay deal

Several Unison branches are likely to oppose the pay deal
offered to local government employees, writes Clare
Jerrom.

A Unison spokesperson said: “General feedback so far shows the
majority of branches are in favour of the settlement.”. But there
will be some branches who oppose the deal, she added.

The arbitration service Acas proposed a two-year deal under
which low paid staff will receive increases ranging from 7.7 per
cent to 10.9 per cent. A minimum rate of £5 an hour would be
backdated to April this year.

Meanwhile, Unions representing staff at the 33 London boroughs
met this week to discuss whether to take further industrial action
over higher London weighting payments.

Unison, the Transport and General Workers Union and the GMB,
which are campaigning for a flat rate London weighting of
£4,000, are now set to meet the London council employers next
month at their next regular meeting.

The unions have warned that if they do not receive a positive
response from the meeting over higher London weighting payments,
they will stage another one day strike in London.