Pay Update Nov 2007

Pay Claim for Scotland's local government staff lodged
One year claim for £1,000 pa or 5%

The shape of the forthcoming claim for a pay rise for over 220,000 local government staff in Scotland was submitted to the employers on 14th November at the Annual Meeting of the Scottish Joint Council in Dunkeld.

As a member of the Joint Trade Unions negotiating team, Bob Revie, Aberdeenshire Branch Secretary was in attendance as the pay claim was lodged.

Local government unions UNISON, Unite and the GMB agreed that they would press for a one year claim of £1,000pa or 5% - whichever is the greater.

Dougie Black, UNISON Regional Officer and secretary of the trade union negotiators said. "This is a fair reward for the work that local government staff put in delivering our essential public services. We will be submitting the claim and the arguments that back that up to the employers today. The current two-year deal comes to an end in April 2008."

"It is now up to the employers to come back with an offer," said Bob. "Then the negotiations will start in earnest." He added, "The trade unions have always been in favour of a settlement which includes a lump sum to favour our colleagues at the lower end of the pay scales. We await the employers' response with interest."

In addition to the pay element of the claim, the trade unions also want to seek an increase of 3 days annual leave (both at basic level and after five years service) and an extra one day public holiday.

Negotiations for local government staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have now concluded. The settlement date for their pay rise is April 2006. Click here for further information.

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