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Pay Award Implementation - Unison Fife's response
Fife Council announced last week that they would implement the pay award, accepted by Unison members, in the January and February pays for Single Status staff. Unison Fife's Executive committee agreed that this be requested at the December JNCF, if it became evident that there would be no nationally agreed position reached. Which was the case by the time that Unison met with Senior Officers and Politicians at the December JNCF. Whilst we are happy that the views of the largest Local Government Union have been taken on board, we are disappointed that this was not subject of a national consensus. Undoubtedly, the position and status of the SNJC (which negotiates on matters such as pay) role in collective bargaining will be under extreme pressure. Unison Fife want National negotiating to be protected, if this means that the functions, structure and composition of the SNJC needs to undergo a fundamental review to offer this protection then it needs to happen and happen soon. Collective Bargaining is best achieved through the collective positions of all three unions and our members. Nationally, Unison's membership represents a massive majority of Council employees, when Unison representatives enter negotiations they are representing thousands upon thousands of hard working and dedicated council staff. Any suggestion that the national framework could be devolved to a local level needs to be resisted, at this stage though this hasn't been suggested but through the failings to gain a collective agreement and the failings to co-ordinate from the employers side it is a significant threat! The pay award, achieved through the collective strength of our members will be implemented in the January pays for ex-APT&C and DSO payrolls and February for the ex-Manual payroll. The Council have stated that this will include any backdating to April 1st 08.
Pay Consultation Helpline
As you know Unison are currently conducting a full postal ballot of members seeking their views on the pay offer made by CoSLA. If you haven't received your postal ballot please call the following National Helpline 0845 355 0845 Use Your Vote!
Revised Offer averts Action!
Following fresh negotiations yesterday afternoon, a revised offer was made to the Trade Unions by CoSLA. The offer, which is 3% from April 2008 and 2.5% from April 2009 will be consulted on through Branches. The decision to put the new offer to members will mean that planned selective action due to commence on Monday has been suspended. As soon as more details are available, Unison Fife members will be advised.
Next Stage of Action - Selective Disputes
Unison Scotland have announced the next phase of action in this years pay dispute. Although we remain committed to finding a solution to the ongoing action, there is a requirement to notify the employers when the commencement of further action. 'Selective Action' targets specific groups of employees, Unison Members, within the Councils across Scotland. Linda Erskine, Branch Secretary, explained, "Unison Scotland have targeted specific groups who will have an impact on the Services that we provide. Obviously, any form of industrial action should be avoided however we have been forced to adopt a range of strategies to try and achieve a pay settlement that will end low pay." Thanking those Unison members who have agreed to participate in this action Linda said "I, along with all Unison members, wish to extend our gratitude to those staff involved. We sincerely hope that this step can be avoided, however unless CoSLA take a sensible approach to end the ongoing dispute it is inevitable that further disruption will take place." For further details see www.unison-scotland.org.uk
"Resounding Success, Local Councillors can aviod future disruption"
Unison Fife members across the Council supported the call to take more Industrial Action today, joining over 100,000 members across Scotland. Expressing gratitude and frustration Branch Secretary Linda Erskine said "I am very pleased at the response to the call to strike shown by our members today. Even more members didn't work today than on the previous day of action! " "Over 190 schools and educational establishments were closed, an increase from the 20th August, virtually all areas will not have their bins emptied, virtually all Local Offices are closed, the impact on all Council services has been significant to say the least. This shows the level of resentment that our members have about the actions by CoSLA!" Despite the resounding success of the action, Linda recognised the affect that the stoppage has had on the public across the region, adding "We sincerely apologise to all of the public for the loss of such vital services that they rely upon. It is not action that Unison wish to take, we have been forced into this action by the lack of recognition from CoSLA. The local Councillors who are part of CoSLA should be using their influence to end this dispute. Whilst they have a duty to their employees (us) they also have a duty to the members of the public that they represent." "I know that the public support our members and I would urge them to speak to their local Councillors and MSP's to get them to resolve the dispute and aviod further action!"
"United we stand for Fair Pay!" Strong Message from Our General Secretary!
Unison Members across Scotland will have today received a calling letter from Dave Prentis, Unison's General Secretary. "We are United in our pursuit for a fair deal!" he said, sending a clear message that Unison want an end to low pay, and a deal that will recognise Local Government members contribution to Public Services. Acknowledging Unison members dont take strike action lightly, Dave continues "We want to do what we do best, providing high quality services for the public." Only a large turnout will make a difference in this next phase of action, we need everyone to play their part and join the strike. None of us can afford to lose pay, an issue recognised by our leader, highlighting, "Unison members who are already facing price rises in food, gas and electricity will wonder whether losing another days pay is worth it." We need to stand together, none of us can lose money, but only through collective action will get longer term improvements on pay and conditions. "We need a large turn out to send a clear message to the employers that they must improve their offer, and show our members the respect they deserve." If you know a work colleague who isn't a member of uniison, urge them to join and support our campaign. In addition, members of the public can contact their local councillor and MSP urging them to resolve this dispute, and give council staff a fair and reasonable deal on pay, we all rely on Council services in one way or another, make sure that those loyal and committed staff get a fair settlement for those services. Fight for Fair Pay, Join the Action on the 24th September!
Further Strikes announced
Unison Scotland's Local Government Conference agreed to further Industrial Action as a result of CoSLA's failure to improve the percentage element of this years Pay Offer. The mood of the conference on Friday was extremely angry and frustrated at the manner in which the employers reneged on their previous position. There were several calls to escalate the action, there was little doubt that Unison members across Scotland want an improved offer and are prepared to take this type of action in support of Fair Pay! Although formal notification hasn't been sent, the date that has been announced is 24th September,2008. Branch Secretary Linda Erskine stated "It is vital that as many members as possible support the call for the next day of action. We were hugely successful on the 20th August and need to repeat this level of support if we are to get an better deal." "Unison Fife, like many branches do not want to take strike action, we certainly cannot afford to lose money given our pay levels. But in this situation we have little choice, only a massive turnout will force the employers to deal with Low Pay in Scottish Councils!" Make sure that you support the call to action, End Low Pay and Support Fair Pay!
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UNISON Scotland pay campaign pages
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