Local Government 2017/18 Pay Consultation

Colleagues

The Local Government Committee considered the final offer made by the employers in respect of SJC Pay yesterday and unanimously decided to recommend REJECTION of the offer. The committee also agreed to consult our members in a digital online ballot commencing 17th March and closing at 12 noon on 7th April.

A high participation in this ballot is absolutely crucial if we are to move towards towards a full industrial action ballot. New thresholds within the Trade Union legislation mean that a 50% participation rate in industrial action ballots is required and whilst this consultative ballot is not governed by this legislation it is imperative that we demonstrate that we can achieve a percentage return close to that level.

To seek to maximise participation we have agreed to run this consultation on the basis of a full digital consultative ballot. This means that access to the ballot will only be through a secure UNISON web page. Where we have members email addresses registered on the RMS these individuals will receive an email and a link to enable them to vote. Those members for whom we do not have email addresses for will be required to access a web page, answer two security questions and vote online. There is a significant job of work to do by branches to encourage participation and assist those members who may not have electronic access. A full briefing sheet on the ballot detail will be available.

Briefing materials have now been developed in the form of a fact sheet, FAQ’s, poster and leaflet for use within branches. These materials will be available to download from the UNISON Scotland webpage. Branches are encouraged to ensure this ballot and ballot arrangements are widely publicised within their membership either through their normal distribution channels or by workplace it branch meetings. Local Government Committee members will be available to attend branch/workplace meetings.

Full details of Pay Offer :

• A flat rate increase of £350 for all SJC employees remunerated up to £35,000 (based on a 37hr working week).

• For those employees remunerated above £35,000, a 1% uplift in pay will apply;

• Councils will commit to using the Scottish Local Government Living Wage as the minimum pay level for all pay and allowances including additional hours worked, overtime and other allowances/premia (where applicable) and it will be pensionable;

• COSLA Employers agree to participate in a joint working group with the trade unions tasked with developing a future pay strategy that both sides can sign up to;

• The offer is for one year and covers the period 1 April, 2017 to 31 March 2018.