Trade unions, representing 1.3 million local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, have welcomed an ACAS award of an additional 0.3%, bringing the 2008/2009 pay increase to 2.75% on all pay points. An extra £100 had already been agreed for the lowest paid.
UNISON, UNITE and GMB had been involved in a long-standing dispute over pay, including strike action, last year. They had rejected previous offers and referred the dispute to binding arbitration. The award is backdated to 1 April 2008.
In a joint statement, UNISON, Unite and GMB, said:
ÒWe welcome the fact that ACAS has accepted our arguments that members should receive a higher pay increase. ACAS stated that the award is Ôjustified and affordable in the context of the claim for the year 2008/2009Õ.
ÒACAS also recognised that local government workers are among the lowest paid in the public sector and they have been affected significantly by the worsening economic climate.
ÒWe have always argued that local government workers have become the poor relations of the public sector. They have contributed enormously to improving local services and meeting council efficiency targets and they deserve a better deal. Ò
Cleaners, binmen, school meals workers, librarians, admin and clerical workers, teaching assistants, home care and social workers are among those covered by the award.