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	February 2001 No 39 Pay Special
	New 'inflation proof' pay offer to go to ballot
	What the offer means * About UNISONNews	.	How did we get here?

New 'inflation proof' pay offer to go to ballot The five months industrial action by UNISON members has brought a new four year offer which brings improvements, some extra benefits for the lower paid and an 'inflation proofing' formula. UNISON has not yet decided whether to recommend acceptance or rejection of the offer. Branches will be consulting on this throughout this week. Whatever happens, every member will get a vote in a ballot on whether to accept or reject the offer. We only got this far after five hard months of industrial action. If we reject this offer, we have to be prepared for a higher and sustained level of strike action to achieve any change. Back to Headlines

What the offer means The offer is across four years with five main elements. 2000/2004 average rise of 14.1% Average increase of 14.1% (from 16.37% to lower paid to 11.29% for highest) 2000/2001 up to 6.5% The current 6.1% offer would increase to 6.5% by bringing forward the 2002 pay date to 1 March. Flat rate and £5.03 minimum wage from 2002 £500 flat rate 1 March 2002 - breaks the £5 minimum wage barrier with the lowest paid getting £5.03 an hour. Will mean up to 7% on lowest wage, 3.5% - 5% in middle of range and 2.5% on £20,000. 4% from 1 April 2003 A 4% rise from 1 April 2003 with next settlement date at 1 April 2004. Inflation proofing First ever inflation proofing with talks re-opened at any point if underlying inflation comes within 0.25% of the annual settlement. Examples  Dates of implementation   1.4.00  1.10.00  1.2.01  1.3.02  1.4.03  Total %  Increases offered  2%  1%  3%  £500  4%  14.1%  Pay points              £8,652 (scp 3)  8,826   8,913  9,180  9,680  10,067   16.37%  £11,115(scp10) 11,337    11,451  11,796  12,296 12,788   15.05%  £14,028(scp20)   14,310 14,454   14,889  15,389  16,005   14.09%  £21,636(scp34)  22,068  22,290  22,959  23,459  24,397  12.76%  £55,329(scp73) 56,436   57,000  58,710 59,210  61,578    11.29% Back to Headlines

How did we get here? Summer 2000: Employers offer 2.5%. UNISON and the other unions reject this and go to ballot. UNISON members vote for strike action. The other unions did not and effectively accepted the 2.5%. Late Summer 2000: Employers make an offer that really means the 2.5% is the same but is paid differently. Branches decide (on split vote) on series of one day strikes instead of 1, 2, 3 day plan. August 29: UNISON first one day strike. September 20: UNISON second one day strike. Scottish Executive announces new three year funding for councils. The next offer: CoSLA offers 6.1% over two years with no re-opener clause to deal with inflation. Ballot rejection: Members decisively reject this offer and action escalates.The other unions want to implement the offer won by UNISON and seize up negotiations. ACAS is called in. No mediation possible because other unions want to settle. November 1: First phase of indefinite strike action by groups of UNISON members throughout Scotland. November 20: Second phase of indefinite action (now 1300 members across Scotland) backed up by one day strike. December: Employers decide to impose offer. Last minute breakthrough means employers now talk to UNISON alone. Escalation of strikes suspended pending talks. Talks break down partly due to other unions. January 2001: UNISON wins a 'protocol' for new talks which guarantees some improvements. Indefinite action suspended for two weeks to allow negotiation. January 31 2001: New offer made. Back to Headlines

 

Is the person next to you a member? The successes on this page are just some of reasons why everyone at your workplace should be in UNISON. The union is only as strong as its members - our ability to protect you depends on how many members we have. Give this to a colleague who isn't in the union. And remind them about who negotiated the procedures that protect them in the workplace. Ask them whether they would have got any pay rises without the union? Remind them about... representation in grievances, gradings, disciplinaries, health & safety free legal help on work issues and free or cheaper advice on many others mortgage discounts 20% off car breakdown cover holiday and insurance deals and much more Phone 0131 220 5655 to join. You can also join by clicking here. Back to Headlines

 

 

About UNISONNews The views expressed in UNISON News are not necessarily those of UNISON City of Edinburgh Branch or the union. All articles/comments to John Stevenson, Communications Officer at 0131 220 5655 P&P by UNISON City of Edinburgh Local Government & Related Sectors Branch, 23 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN Back to Headlines