UNISON, TGWU and GMB public service unions, have today (26 October), submitted a 2.5% or £500 pay claim on behalf of some 1.5 million local government workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The claim covers care assistants, cleaners, teaching assistants, librarians, social workers and refuse collectors among others, who are at the bottom of the public sector pay league.
Heather Wakefield, UNISONÕs Head of Local Government, said:
ÒThe 2.5% claim is modest and takes account of the tough economic climate and the predicted inflation rate for next year. We believe this claim is both realistic and affordable.
ÒLocal Government workers are playing a vital role in helping communities through the recession, offering practical support alongside debt and housing advice. I would urge the employers to settle this claim quickly and allow council workers to focus on the job in hand, delivering quality public services.Ó
Brian Strutton, GMB National Secretary, said:
ÒGMB is very clear that our 2010 pay claim is affordable and no more than council workers deserve. We are proposing a bottom-loaded increase yielding more for the lowest paid and overall it would add less than 3% to the paybill.
ÒOur careful research of local authorities finances shows that this level of increase can be sustained. Local Government employees have had low pay rises for years and have been through restructuring after restructuring to make efficiency savings, so this claim is no more than they deserve.
ÒGiven the huge and continuing pay rises and bonuses that those at the top of society are still enjoying, GMB sees no reason why the ordinary workers shouldnÕt be treated fairly and we will back our members to the hilt to ensure that they are.Ó
Peter Allenson, National Officer for Unite the union, said:
ÒThe claim submitted is more than reasonable. Local Government staff provide vital services to the local community.
ÒThey deserve every last penny of this proposed increase and, without it, services will suffer.Ó
