18 April 2008
Unions representing more than 200,000 local government workers in Scotland have rejected a three-year pay offer in what the employers claim is a volte-face.
The negotiating body representing the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities had expected the unions to accept a deal of 2.5% a year up to 2010.
But the unions — Unison, GMB and Unite — rejected it after 'taking soundings from their members'.
They said the proposed deal failed to match the current rate of inflation.
Cosla claims the unions initially backed a multi-year deal. Its negotiating body, the Scottish Joint Council, wrote to the unions reminding them of the outcome of a meeting on March 3.
It said the trade union side 'appeared content with the principle of a multi-year settlement and, indeed, to encourage this position, we extended our offer to the limits of affordability by local councils.'
It added: 'The sticking point… appeared to be the trades unions' desire for an inflationary trigger, although this was not mentioned during discussions at our meeting on March 3.'
Michael Cook, Cosla human resources spokesman, said: 'This is a good deal at any time, let alone at a time when the unions are well aware of the constraints on local government finances.'
The trade union side secretary, Douglas Black of Unison, retorted: 'There is a great deal of anger at the employers' insistence on a three-year deal and their continuing refusal to agree a reopener clause linked to inflation. The offer is already less than inflation and without a reopener clause our members are being asked to buy a pig in a poke.'
He added: 'Cosla have said they want to make efficiency savings so they can reinvest in services. One of those investments should be in the workforce that delivers these services.'
The unions submitted a pay claim last November, for a rise of £1,000 or 5% in 2008.
PFapr2008
