UNISON Local Govt Pay Update

I have copied below the content of todays UNISON Pay Matters.

NJC TRADE UNIONS AGREE NEW TERMS OF REFERENCE

As you know, we have experienced considerable problems in progressing the arbitration process with the employers following the ‘credit crunch’ and revelation of investment in Icelandic banks.
At a meeting of the full NJC Trade Union Side on 17 December, the revised Terms of Reference, put forward by the employers, were considered and agreed:
“The arbitration board is asked to consider the arguments put forward by both sides and resolve the 2008/9 pay dispute.
The arbitration board shall take into account annual levels of affordability for all local authorities within the context of the 2008-2011 CSR period settlements and the impact of the changing economic circumstances since April 2008.”
It was felt that we should move forward and get the arbitration settled, taking in to account declining inflation and the need to get on with negotiations over next year’s pay, unhindered by arbitration.
ACAS and the employers were contacted immediately following the meeting and we are now waiting for a new timetable to be established for the submission deadlines and a date for a panel hearing in order for the process brought to a swift and fruitful conclusion, we will keep you updated on any progress.

Pay 2009/10

The NJC Trade Union Side considered a draft claim submission for 2009-10. It was agreed to submit the claim before Christmas. Branches will recall that the format of the claim was previously agreed at the Trade Union Side on 3 November:-
“To improve real pay levels, the Trade Union Side seeks a one-year, across-the-board pay increase of at least the level of retail price inflation with additional increases for the lower paid.”
A joint trade union letter has already been sent to all council chief executives and leaders setting out the parameters of our claim.
In early January we will be sending out template letters for branches to use at a local level to ensure that your local authorities ensure there is money budgeted for pay for 2009. We will also want branches to start to talk to members and recruit non members early in January to build for the year ahead.

Because of the credit crunch and Icelandic investments should we expect very little or nothing more?
I don't think so, non of our members were responsible for either. The Governer of the Bank of England has confirms that he believes that City Bonuses contributed to Credit Crunch but City Bankers are still getting £Bns in bonuses
The 'credit crunch; struck after the pay award should have been paid and the Government covered many of the investments of the Icelandic crash.
Its amazing how much money can be found to bail out bankers £500bn, fund illegal and immoral wars £6bn and how little can be found to pay hardworking Local Government workers.