Unions call for a ​ ’ substantial ​ ’ pay rise for ​council and school workers

Three local government unions ​have today (Monday)​ submitted a pay claim ​for 2021/22, which they say begin​s to redress a decade of cuts and recognise​s the key role ​played in the pandemic ​by school and council staff.
 They want to see a ‘substantial’ pay increase from this April with a wage rise of at least 10% for all council ​and school support employees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
​Under the claim, the ​pay of the lowest paid workers ​would go above £10 per hour – ​lifting them above the ​real ​living ​wage of £9.50 per hour (outside London).
UNISON, GMB and Unite​ – which between them represent 1.4 million council and school employees – say only a significant pay award can begin to tackle ten years of savage local authority cuts and pay restraint. Staff working in local government have seen up to 25% wiped from the value of their pay, the unions say.
Council employees include refuse collectors, library staff, teaching assistants and care ​employees – key workers who help communities to function, ​say the three unions.
 ​The Covid crisis has been a reminder that local authorities are vital to the communities they serve​, ​especially during ​the past hugely challenging year. Staff deserve better pay and working conditions, the unions say.
UNISON head of local government Jon Richards said: “Local government workers have kept the country going during the Covid crisis.
“Many fac...

Source: UNISON Health care news - February 15, 2021 Category: UK Health Authors: Heather Hampson Tags: News Press release Source Type: news