The Scottish Joint Council Steering Group (council negotiating body) met on 14 February to start negotiations on pay. We reached a point where the employers tabled a slightly different offer which was; £300 for those earning up to £30,000 and 1% for those above.
The joint trade union position was united behind the need for only a flat rate claim and not a mixed offer. The employers position was that the new offer made was the limit of their mandate.
We did however persuade the employers to go back to the COSLA Leaders Forum and seek a fresh mandate on the basis of the trade union position.
We also made the point that since the offer was tabled the LG settlement had marginally changed and asked the employers to consider whether more money could be directed into the pay financial envelope.
The Steering Group will next meet on 3 March where I expect the employers to make a final offer.
We are making the necessary arrangements to ensure that all members are consulted on any final offer and if need be preparing for a possible industrial action ballot.
In the meantime branches should make every effort to raise the profile of Pay with their members. Flyers and posters to assist with this will be available for download from the UNISON Scotland website shortly.
Douglas Black
Regional Organiser/SJC Secretary
UNISON Scotland