Enough is enough - Campaign for fair pay

North Ayrshire’s Stephanie Herd, Chair of the Scottish Local Government Committee brought a Scottish dimension to the pay debate, as delegates condemned the government’s proposals for pay restraint following on from the current pay freeze.

Angry at the impact of government pay policy, particularly on low paid and women members, Conference threw its weight behind a high profile campaign to break the pay freeze and secure a living wage.

Manchester’s amendment provides for consultation on a ballot for industrial action in support.

Stephanie told conference that the pay freeze has been a pay cut in real terms and has led to real hardship for our members as the cost of living soars. And it wasn’t just the Tory led government that didn’t care. Employers in Local Councils also seem unwilling to invest in their workforce, but are using the economic crisis as an excuse to pay poverty wages as well as attacking terms and conditions.

“But we say, enough is enough. The Scottish pay claim this year is fair and affordable. £1000, and the introduction of the living wage in all 32 councils and in voluntary and arms length public service providers.

“Our low paid members must not endure poverty pay any longer. We want the government’s £250 for those on less than £21K – that’s over half of our members in Scotland - to be the first instalment of a decent pay increase.

“And if councils invest in their workforce, we will in turn spend in our local areas, giving a necessary boost to local economies,” added Stephanie.

“Our campaign continues with Fair Pay Day next Wed 27th June, raising the profile amongst our members.

“We know we are going into a fight. But rather than say, “We are all in this together”, I say, “We’ll win this together!”

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