New branch briefing on pay

Why we are being balloted again. PLEASE VOTE! New branch briefing on employer's proposals. Hold workplace meetings now. Click here for the briefing.

UNISON Scotland has suspended the strike planned for 21 October after an improved offer from employers. The ballot will run from 20 October to 3 November.

The employers have responded to two out of three of UNISON’s demands. These are significant enough for the leadership to consult members under UNISON procedures on whether they think it is enough to settle for this year - with a major pay campaign next year - or whether the action continues.

Vote now for fair pay

See UNISON Edinburgh's new newsletter here on the pay ballot running from 9 to 29 September 2014. The ballot asks members whether they are prepared to take strike action to force the employers to respect the joint negotiating machinery and return to the negotiating table.

The Scottish Employers have imposed a pay award of 1% from 1 April 2014. And they have refused to negotiate on UNISON's claim for this period which was:

• An additional £1 per hour for all staff conditioned to the Scottish Joint Council scheme.
• Consolidation of the Living Wage
• Deletion of spinal column points below the level of the Living Wage

This action by the employers is unacceptable and shows a blatant disregard for the agreed bargaining structures and threatens the future of nationally agreed pay awards.

Branch Secretary, Amanda Kerr, said “Over the last few years we have witnessed a drop in real terms to our wages while the cost of living has increased significantly.

“Our members, who work tirelessly providing vital public services across Edinburgh deserve nothing less than fair pay and it is a complete insult to impose one per cent. We also want to get back to proper negotiations and the agreed bargaining machinery.”

Pensions ballot - come and hear the facts

The branch has set up meetings on 15 and 29 October for members to get the facts about the pensions ballot starting on 16 October. UNISON is recommending you accept the new Local Government Pension Scheme proposals.

Tuesday 15 Oct 5pm - 7pm European Room
Tuesday 29 Oct 6pm - 8pm Business Centre
both at City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh

Eric MacLennan, branch pensions champion, and senior branch officers will be at the meetings to explain the proposals for the new 2015 scheme and the negotiations that led up to them.

Ballot papers will be sent out to members who are conditioned to the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme on 16 October. The closing date for the ballot is 10am on 7 November 2013. Any member who has not received a ballot paper should contact UNISON Direct on 0845 355 0845.

Each member will get a ballot paper with a recommendation that they vote to Accept the current proposals. There will also be an explanatory leaflet that outlines the proposals. A copy of the leaflet is on the website at www.unison-edinburgh.org.uk along with the draft Heads of Agreement and other materials.

Vote Yes to protect your pension

Papers will be out soon for the pensions ballot. Vote YES – you can’t afford to do anything else. More details at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/pensions/index.html