As other public sector workers received improved offers to settle their disputes (Fire Brigade, Teachers and Junior Doctors). The joint trade unions wrote in July to the new Labour Government, requesting that the Council and School Support Staff pay offer (NJC) was reviewed. The response, which is printed in full below, was received on 7th August. As you can read, that request for a review and an improved offer, in-line with other public sector workers, was rejected and the original offer was reaffirmed.
Council and School Support Staff cannot rely on this Labour Government to put right, the 14 years of pay cuts that we have endured. We are working 25% of our time for free, for full time workers, that means from Thursday after lunch, you are giving the employer your time.
The only way we can achieve a better result, is through industrial action, and this is why it so important that when you receive your ballot papers, you complete and return it. Make your voice heard! We will not accept poverty wages.
The Employers Response
The National Employers recognise your reasons for seeking to secure a new pay offer in light of the announcement last week of funded pay awards to other parts of the public sector, following recommendations made by Pay Review Bodies that have been accepted by central government.
However, as the LGA said in its response to that announcement, it “…did not provide any additional funding for pay in local government.” Therefore, the National Employers are unable to accede to your request and must again reaffirm the offer made on 16 May as full and final. The offer, as we explained at the time, will be difficult to fund in a number of local authorities and anything beyond it would take many more authorities well past their level of affordability.
Looking ahead, the National Employers are hopeful that more secure funding from government, in the shape of long-term settlements, will assist in future years when we are considering pay offers to local government employees.
In the short-term, the National Employers are keen to begin work with you on redesigning the NJC pay spine, which we all agree is creaking under the pressure of the National Living Wage.
The LGA, along with the WLGA and NILGA will continue making representations to central and devolved governments for increased funding. In the meantime, the National Employers ask again that UNISON and Unite rethink their plans for strike ballots and instead join with GMB in accepting this year’s offer so that employees can receive their pay award and work can begin on the pay spine review.
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