8 January 2008
Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, say that Alistair Darling’s announcement that public sector workers will be subject to three year pay deals rides roughshod over trade unions, employees and independent pay review bodies.
Unite say although it is not in principle opposed to longer term pay deals it is incredibly angry that the Chancellor’s announcement was made without any consultation with the trade unions. It also says that the government’s assertion that public sector pay must be capped at 2% makes a mockery of the pay bargaining procedures and the pay review panels appointed to conduct independent pay negotiations.
The union wants the independent Pay Review Bodies to be given a free reign to propose and agree pay settlements without government interference, as is their remit. If three year pay deals are agreed by negotiation, then a mechanism should be considered that will allow for re-negotiations in the event of rampant inflation.
Gail Cartmail, Unite’s Head of the public sector, said: “We are not in principle opposed to three year pay settlements that would give greater certainty to our members but our members must be protected against substantial increases in inflation within this period.
“What we are absolutely opposed to is the government’s dictatorial stance, not only on pay procedures but in capping the amount that our members will be paid. Our members covered by Pay Review Bodies respect their independence and have never rejected even modest increases agreed through them.
“The government must allow the pay review bodies to do their job without interference. Unions must be free to negotiate in the non Pay Review Body areas and I urge government to stop this macho and bullish posturing, unless of course they are deliberately squaring up for a fight.”
Unite is submitting evidence to the Pay Review Body for NHS workers this week. The union has criticised the government last year for over-ruling pay an offer made by the independent Pay Review Body for health.
