Council and school workers are the glue that hold our communities together. Yet, as the cost of living crisis pushes prices up, more of you are reaching breaking point. You don’t just deserve better pay, you need it.
The trade unions have been negotiating with employers and they have offered an increase of £1,925 on all NJC pay points, with effect from 1 April 2022.
This offer is much higher than members have seen in recent years and is very close to the £2,000 that UNISON branches and the NJC committee agreed should be a key part of the pay claim. However, it doesn’t deliver a pay increase that keeps up with the rising cost of living, resulting in what is effectively a pay cut – and this issue only increases the further up the pay spine you are.
What do I need to do?
You must decide on whether you wish to accept or reject the pay offer and then vote in the consultation.
The UNISON NJC Committee is not making a recommendation that members should vote ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ – it’s your choice. So look out for an email with your link to vote.
Why should I vote?
This is your decision on your pay. It’s vital that you add your voice to make sure we get an accurate picture of all members’ views – if you don’t vote, decisions on your pay will be made without your input. Make sure your voice is heard.
The Committee is clear that discussions with the employers can go no further. This offer is the best that can be achieved by negotiations. It is now time to consult members on whether they wish to accept or reject the offer.
If the majority vote to reject the offer, the next step would be an industrial action ballot to attempt to force the employers to make an improved offer.
The deadline for voting is Monday 19 September 2022 so make sure you vote today to decide on pay!
If you do not receive an email, make sure to check your spam and if its not there ask your branch as we may not have your correct email address.
GMB: consultation opened on 22 August, closes on 21 October, neutral recommendation
Unite: consultation opened on 22 August, closes on 14 October, recommendation to reject
Obviously this means the other unions’ processes will end after UNISON’s. We did flag up our timetable with the other unions and asked them to consult on the same timetable, but it didn’t prove possible.
