Let us hear your views on the pay offer

PAY OFFER: Negotiators to seek more talks and ballot to follow in January 2013.
Local Government branches met on 30 November and heard that Local Government employers had made an offer of 1% from 1 April 2013. If after the 1% is applied, there are staff who fall below the 'Living Wage', this will be brought up to £7.50 an hour from 1 April 2013. The offer also calls for a 'working party' on pay for 2014/15 and on 'flexible and adaptable' working practices.

While the 'Living Wage' elements is welcome, the offer falls below what is needed to keep pace with inflation. Local Government workers have gone through a pay freeze at a time when inflation averaged 5%, food prices have been going up by 7% a year and energy prices by 15%.

The offer was made outside the normal bargaining procedures and negotiators will seek, along with the other unions, to open proper negotiations and consult members via a ballot in January 2013. They will return to a Recall Conference on 11th Jan to report on progress. Make sure your steward has your views on the offer!

UNISON to consult on Scottish pay offer

UNISON Scotland is set to consult members on a pay offer for local government workers. Dougie Black, Joint Trade Union Side Secretary, said that today’s offer from COSLA will be discussed initially at a conference in Glasgow next Friday (30 Nov).

Fair Pay Android tablet winners

The winners of the Fair Pay Campaign quiz were Noel Jeffery and Ian McAndrew, both at Chesser House. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered. Remember to sign the Fair Pay petition at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt/pay2012/petition.html

Fair Pay Day: Do the Quiz and Win an Android Tablet

27 June is Fair Pay Day to publicise our campaign to fight for fair pay in local government. To celebrate this there are two Android tablet computers up for grabs for City of Edinburgh Branch members only. Click here to enter http://www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk/fairpay/index.html