The case for better pay in local government is ‘compelling and clear cut’, says UNISON 

An improved pay deal for council and school employees is vital for the economy and community services, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Monday) in a keynote speech. She was addressing the union’s annual local government conference in Liverpool as workers continue to vote in one of the biggest strike ballots the union has undertaken. More than a third of a million council and school staff are being asked to vote on a £1,925 offer in England and Wales, significantly below UNISON’s claim for inflation plus 2%. Christina McAnea told delegates: “Across the UK it often feels like local government is the first to be cut. And while some employers are sympathetic, all governments, especially the one in Westminster, say they can’t afford to fund services. “Yet if ministers met UNISON’s pay claim in full, around half the cost could be recouped. That’s because more would be raised in tax and less paid out in benefits. “But cutting funding for local government – and refusing decent pay for council and school workers – is a deliberate political choice. “The case for better pay is compelling and clear cut. But the strike vote isn’t just to get more pay, it’s to save services and shine a spotlight on the chronic underfunding of essential services. “In a cost-of-living crisis, workers have options. They can take a second job or get better-paid work elsewhere. And people are leaving. “Just as in the NHS, staff vacancies in counci...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release 2023 local government conference Source Type: news