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Local Government Service Group Conference Liverpool 18-21 June 2013

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Value our members and give us fair pay

Inez Teece
Inez Teece

Mark Ferguson

Mark Ferguson

Conference condemned the refusal of Scotland’s Local Government employers to negotiate a fair pay increase for their workers and pledged its full support for Scotland’s strike ballot and for any action which follows.

Moving Scotland’s emergency motion, Regional Delegate, Inez Teece told conference that local government members had rejected the employer’s offer of 1%. UNISON had welcomed the introduction of the Scottish living wage of £7.50 but there had been no agreement for an annual uplift.

“We have given every opportunity for the employers to come back to the table yet they still refuse. This has left us no option but to recommend to our members that they vote YES for action.

“And let’s not fall for that old rhetoric from the employers that they can’t afford it. Or that to increase the offer will cost jobs,” she added.

“A two year pay freeze in Scotland didn’t stop thousands of jobs being lost in local authorities across the country,” slammed Inez, adding that in Scotland councils have unallocated reserves of £300 million.

“Ofcourse they can afford it. It is simply a matter of prioritisation and whether they value their staff and our members.”

Inez added, “We are under no illusion that this is a difficult fight. We still have to engage with our members, to involve them and to campaign with them. Your support and the knowledge that our members in Scotland are not alone is a strong and necessary message to send.”

Mark Ferguson, speaking for the Service Group Executive congratulated Scottish Local government members on their stance in rejecting the employer’s final offer and promised the support of the Executive if members return a mandate for action. He condemned the employers’ attempts to ignore the bargaining machinery, and the threat of changes to national terms and conditions as part of next year’s pay talks.

“Let’s go back from this conference and spread the word amongst our members that we are stronger together,” urged Mark.
Dundee City’s Jim McFarlane told delegates that the offer on 1% is an insult to our members.

He said, “We all know that this isn’t just about pay. This is about the austerity agenda, cuts, job losses, less staff, increased demand for the many services our members provide to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

17 June 2013

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