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EQUAL PAY IN SCOTLAND’S LOCAL COUNCILS - why do we have a problem?
You may have seen media reports about some high profile
job evaluation disputes in local councils in different parts of
Scotland. Job evaluation came about after the Single Status Agreement
was implemented by local government unions and employers in 1999.
What is this and what is UNISON doing?
Single Status was signed to harmonise pay and conditions
of different groups of local government workers (APT&C and Manual).
The aim was to adopt a single pay spine and same conditions. UNISON
signed up to deliver fairness, and counter discrimination.
In last 6 years
Much has changed. Despite constant pressure from UNISON
many local authorities have failed to address their responsibility
to assess jobs timeously. Equal pay legislation has also meant that
job evaluation has had to be used to address pay discrimination
in local authorities. Plus funding settlements for local authorities
have failed to include the extra money needed and local authorities
have tried to deliver equal pay at little or no extra cost.
What we’re doing
UNISON wants to deliver equal pay and fair compensation
for those who have suffered discrimination. We have pursued compensation
claims and negotiated on job evaluation. We have spent much time
identifying equal pay cases that we can pursue at Tribunal.
We have also argued that all staff should be fairly
treated. Negotiating maximum protection where people lose out; changes
to jobs; improved training and career progression and have taken
action to defend members. We have also want this to be introduced
without sackings and service cuts.
Local authorities have wanted to do this with little
or no cost. UNISON says that this is not possible - we are being
proved right.
Pay Up for Equal Pay
We also want the government to shoulder its share
of the responsibility. Funding settlements for Scottish Local Government
have taken no cognisance of the requirement to provide equal pay
in local government.We are campaigning to ensure that the Scottish
Executive funds the creation of pay systems in Local Government
that are objective, transparent and free from sex bias. They should
also fund compensation for previous discrimination. This they are
doing in other parts of the public service - why not in local government?
UNISON members deserve fair pay scales, and deserve
compensation for past discrimination. Other members pay jobs and
conditions should not have to pay for this. Nor should the public
through cuts in services or big rises in Council Tax.
Back the UNISON Campaign
If you work in Scottish Local Government and want
a union that will deliver fair pay and protection - why not join
UNISON? Tel UNISON Direct 0845 355 0845; email c.a.judge@unison.co.uk;
or contact Carol Judge, Scottish Organiser (Local Government), UNISONScotland,
60, Belford Rd. Edinburgh EH3 4UQ. Check out the latest developments
on our website. www.unison-scotland.org.uk/localgovt
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