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Call to keep up the pressure for fair pay
"No one can predict what will happen next year with inflation, so our employers want the union to agree to what is effectively a pay cut," he said, adding that although the employers claim they can't afford to increase the pay offer, they saved £170 million in efficiency savings over the past year - efficiencies that have been delivered by our members. John called on members to turn up the heat and send a clear message to the employers and the Scottish government that we will take further action if necessary. "This dispute can be won, the outcome is in our hands, we must keep up the pressure for fair pay for our council members." Stand together and say NO to below inflation
offer "For too long we have accepted whatever pay rises have been offered to us, even if it felt inadequate. This time, in an economic period when families are starting to suffer, we need to stand together and say NO." She told the rally that the average weekly shop has risen by 13.7%, with staples like meat rising by 16% and dairy products by 20%. "These are just statistics for some people, but these are the figures that are affecting us all at the checkouts," said Alison. "Domestic heating and lighting costs have increased by 12%, so we can forget keeping warm this winter," she told the rally, adding that the biggest increase, which affects a great many of our members in one way or another is the staggering 25% rise in the cost of petrol and diesel. "It is clear with this evidence, that a 2.5% pay rise simply isn't enough to make sure that we all have the means to support ourselves and our families. This pay offer means a pay cut and it will slash our standard of living. We must tell the employer that enough is enough!" Solid platform for next stage of pay campaign
Bob thanked members for coming to the rally and also praised the turnout across the branch."This provides a solid platform to take forward the campaign to the next stage if this proves necessary. "It is never easy for our members to take strike action," he said. "They want to do what they do best and that is provide vital services for the people of Aberdeenshire. They have been forced into taking this action by this derisory pay offer and by this action today have shown the employer and the Scottish Government that they will do what it takes to get a fair deal." |
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Magnificent
response to day of action wins a re-opening of talks
The
branch strike rally, held at the British Legion in Inverurie attracted
striking members from across council services, including nursery
nurses, classroom assistants, registrars, community workers, engineers,
consumer protection staff and social workers. 
"There
is no doubt that we have a low pay problem," he said. "A recent
CoSLA survey showed that 60% of local government staff are paid
between £11,000 and £16,000 per year. So our claim for 5% or £1,000
is not outrageous. In fact most would say it's very reasonable with
inflation running at 5% and rising. 
Alison
Law, a home carer and lower paid member slammed the existing pay
offer and told the rally that it is simply not enough at a time
when inflation is set to reach 5% by autumn. 
"This
has been typical of the employers' approach throughout these negotiations.
They have not wanted to negotiate. Perhaps now they have seen the
strength of our members' feelings across the three unions and across
Scotland, they will change their mind." 