GMB Union have approached Local Government employers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland setting out our disappointment on the pay offer and asked it to be improved.
You will be aware that the employers made a pay offer of 1.5% for 2021.
GMB asked National Joint Council (NJC) national employers across Local Government, Councils and Schools to join with the trade unions and make a joint approach to the Westminster Government, for more funding for Local Government pay. The employers declined to do this and today made the following full and final offer in response to our pay claim:
- With effect from 1 April 2021, an increase of 2.75% on NJC pay point 1
- With effect from 1 April 2021, an increase of 1.75% on all NJC pay points 2 and above
- Completion of the outstanding work of the joint Term-Time Only review group
The employers have also agreed to joint discussions on the following:
- A national minimum agreement on homeworking policies for all councils.
- An agreement on a best practice national programme of mental health support for all local authorities and school staff.
- A joint review of the provisions in the Green Book for maternity / paternity / shared parental / adoption leave.
INITIAL GMB RESPONSE
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary, said:
“School staff, refuse collectors and council workers have kept our country moving through the coronavirus crisis, often putting themselves in harm’s way.
“Now they are being told by Local Government employers all they deserve is a pay cut. It’s a woeful pay offer”.
“Local Government Employers refused to jointly make representation with the unions to the Chancellor on pay, which is frankly disgraceful.
“Local Government workers know they need a proper pay rise – and this isn’t it.
“GMB will now meet with reps to discuss next steps for a ballot on the offer and if this leads to industrial action, members will have our full support.”
Read the full press release.
WHAT NEXT?
GMB have met with sister unions and have arranged for GMB senior reps of the GMB Local Government and Schools Committees to discuss the final pay offer on Tuesday 10th August 2021. GMB senior reps will assess their response to the offer and agree the ballot timeline to ensure all our members have a say on their pay.
Please ensure your details are up to date as only GMB members will get a vote in our ballot
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic our Local Government, School and Council workers have continued to work tirelessly to keep the country going, working above and beyond the call of duty, putting themselves and their families at risk to support the effort against Covid-19.
Now that many protections have been removed, we know that our members once again will be on the frontline, providing vital services to the public whilst putting themselves at risk.
GMB’s priority is to make sure your workplace is safe so please do get in touch if you are worried about lack of safety measures at work
Please contact the branch to update your contact details