National Delegate Conference 15-18 June 2010

Pay freeze means pay cut

Alison Kelly

Conference today condemned the government's pay freeze for public sector employees for 2010/11 - which, with inflation, effectively means a pay cut for millions of workers.

The union noted that while two thirds of public sector employees earn less than £18,000 a year, many of the banks - which caused the current economic crisis - still pay "obscene" bonuses.

Delegates also noted the desire of employers to undermine national pay bargaining, which must be retained and strengthened.

They agreed that the campaign for real improvements in pay must continue to be a priority for the union - and that the use of industrial action may be the most effective means of winning acceptable improvements.

Alison Kelly of Glasgow City told conference that in Scotland we are consulting on a pay offer in local government of 1.5% over three years - a pay cut. "We know our members are worried about their jobs, but we must stand together and if need be, take industrial action," she said, commending the need to have a range of industrial action strategies available, up to and including strike action, to ensure a better pay for all.

Conference also agreed to support the Living Wage campaign, and to support broadening UNISON's bargaining agenda on local government pay, to include a minimum wage for council workers; access to affordable childcare; developing career pathways; and investing in workplace learning and development.

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