This week marks the 15th anniversary of the introduction of a statutory national minimum wage in the UK.
I think all UNISON members should be proud of the fact that it was our union that was the driving force behind its introduction.
For years, our union campaigned tirelessly, often in lonely isolation, first to persuade other unions to support the concept and then to get the Labour Party and the Labour government to accept it.
Set at £3.60 an hour in 1999 for those over the age of 21, it immediately benefited more than a million workers who were being pitifully exploited by bad bosses.
It was a protective floor below which no worker should fall.
We argued then, and we continue to argue now, that the rate should be higher. It was a platform on which to build.
The statutory national minimum wage is due to rise to £6.50 in October.
In 1999, local government pay was at least 24% higher than the minimum wage, now it is just 2.2% – a direct result of the this government’s austerity agenda.
The Torieswho always argued against the minimum wage and a better deal for workers – and our local government members
So, our campaigning continues – during TUC Fair Pay Fortnight and beyond – for a living wage.
Our local government members’ protests this week will be a big part of that campaign. We won’t rest until the scourge of low pay is outlawed once and for all.
