- Conference
- 2015 Special Local Government Conference
- Date
- 29 January 2015
- Decision
- Carried
This Special Conference believes the decision of the NJC Committee on 9th October to suspend the action planned for 14th October was a grave error which completely undermined the national campaign to secure a decent pay rise for Local Government members and an end to five years of real terms cuts in our member’s living standards.
This led to complete confusion and dismay amongst both activists and members which was compounded by disbelief that a two year agreement had been entered into for a pittance above the 1% a year offer that was already on the table.
The decision to call off the strike due on 14th October 2014 was made on the basis of the revised offer following a negotiating meeting which did not involve any elected lay members of the NJC Committee.
The decision of the NJC Committee to tell members this proposal was the best that could be achieved by negotiation and that the only alternative was significant all out action was taken without any consultation whatsoever with Branches and Regions on the specific nature of the 2 year proposal.
Any decision to suspend strike action must involve a consultation process that is clear and transparent involving Branches and Regions which at a minimum is at least at the same level as the consultation process which agreed the claim.
This Special Conference believes that such circumstances cannot be repeated if members are to have any confidence in the National UNISON leadership seriously addressing continual cuts in their earnings and living standards.