As you will be aware the strike action which had been planned for 21st October has been suspended. This decision was taken as a consequence of CoSLA (Employers representatives) making a revised offer on the 2014 pay negotiations. The revised offer, which you will be balloted on, is outlined below.
All Unison members in Local Government will be asked their view on the revised offer commencing Monday 20th October closing on Monday 3rd November 2014. It is essential that you participate in the consultation exercise.
Unison is the largest trade union representing Council workers and there can be no doubt that this latest offer is as a result of Unison’s decision to take industrial action. It is essential that you ensure that all Unison members participate in the vote.
If we do not vote – we have no voice, please ensure that you cast your vote by Monday 3rd November 2014.
Following a meeting of UNISON’s Scottish Local Government Committee today, the committee has taken the decision to suspend strike action planned for 21 October and consult our members on new proposals put forward by the Scottish Employers (CoSLA).
The proposals concentrate on three areas of our dispute: the future participation in the agreed bargaining machinery; consolidation of the living wage; and the deletion of spinal column point below the level of the living wage.
The view of the Scottish Local Government Committee is that these proposals represent a significant change to the current award. In line with our agreed procedures UNISON is consulting members on the revised pay offer from the employers and a full consultative ballot will now take place.
The ballot will open on Monday 20 October 2014 and close on Monday 3 November 2014.
UNISON Scotland launched a report today (Wednesday) – The Cuts Don’t Work: The impact of ‘austerity’ cuts on Scotland’s public services – showing what’s really happening to public services across the country.
While the cuts affect everyone in Scotland, it is the most vulnerable who are hardest hit, as services are cut back, jobs go, pay is cut and living standards fall.
Lilian Macer, UNISON’s Scottish Convener, said: “It’s impossible to take this level of funding and staffing out of public services without serious problems arising over time. And 60 per cent of the cuts are still to come. It’s a major assault on services everybody relies on.
“Some problems may become visible suddenly and dramatically if something goes wrong, for example in food safety, or hospital cleaning where lives can be put at risk. Others may not be noticed in headline news, but are also deeply damaging to the people affected, their families and communities.
Lilian Macer continued: “This report shows the damage cuts do to local communities, local economies and the fabric of our society. They are the result of decisions and choices made at every level of Government; local, Scottish and UK.
An exslusive offer for Unison members. Expand to see more….