- Conference
- 2021 Virtual Special Local Government Service Group Conference
- Date
- 31 March 2021
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that the National Joint Council (NJC) structure and negotiations have formed the basis of pay determination for the majority of local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since 1997. More than 400,000 UNISON members are covered by sector wide NJC pay negotiations. These negotiations cover pay increases, conditions of service, and equal pay and job evaluation exercises such as the major re-structure of the pay spine in 2018.
Conference believes that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a new approach to pay in local government. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, local government workers proved themselves to be indispensable � keeping our communities safe and providing essential services, often at the expense of their own well-being. The increased public recognition of the work our local government members do has shone a light on the real problems they have with pay. Pay in local government is too low and it has fallen in real terms over the last decade. Many local government workers have gone �above and beyond� during Covid-19, working extra hours for no extra reward, at the expense of their own safety and work-life balance.
Conference further believes that national or sector-wide collective bargaining remains and should remain the bedrock of our approach to pay negotiations. Trade unions are built on the principle of collectivism, and the bigger we are, the stronger we are. Conference also believes, given that local government workers covered by the NJC scheme have seen the value of their pay fall, that it is time to look seriously and critically at the successes and failures of this approach in relation to pay, conditions of service and job evaluation.
Conference also notes that despite the massive efforts of members, activists, branches, regions, the sector and the service group, in recent years we have struggled to negotiate pay increases that have kept up with the cost of living and the savings associated with low or no pay rises has not protected jobs and services. The external factors we have faced, such as the government�s austerity agenda and years and years of privatisation and outsourcing, have been huge. Faced with a Conservative government for another three years, and the funding gap caused by the government�s failure to support councils adequately through the pandemic, these challenges will continue. Large parts of the local government sector will be assessing what changes are needed in a post-pandemic world, and it is vital that UNISON participates in those debates and ensure they contain a strong focus on members� pay.
Conference believes that it is important that we review our practices and experiences, to learn from mistakes and build on successes, so as to make best use of the union�s resources and do the best for our members.
Conference therefore calls on the Local Government Service Group Executive, working with the NJC Committee, regions and branches, to conduct a review of the National Joint Council and how it functions, including its relationship with and autonomy within the Local Government Service Group Executive, assessing all of its benefits, costs and drawbacks for members, and to report back to Local Government Conference on an interim basis in 2022 and in full in 2023.