After a long and difficult year, faced with an unprecedented global crisis, Local Government and Schools employees have kept Schools open and the communities they serve safe and secure while continuing to provide key services. After a decade of pay cuts, pay freezes and below average pay awards, GMB believes now is the time for pay justice. Household bills, rents/mortgages, childcare and commuting costs continue to grow at an alarming rate and this is a below inflation pay offer which will be a pay cut in real terms for Local Government and School workers.
Paying workers a proper wage is an investment in both local services and the local economy. A proper pay rise will put more spending power into the pockets of Local Government and Schools workers boosting spending in the local economy and is the least key workers deserve.
The pay negotiations with the employers’ side of the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government and Schools workers have concluded, and the employer has tabled a final offer. The details of the offer can be found by clicking here. It is important you read this information as it will enable you to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to accept or reject the National Employers pay offer.
The following full and final offer, in response to the Joint Unions Pay claim is:
- With effect from 1st April 2021, an increase of 1.75% on all NJC pay points 2 and above
- With effect from 1st April 2021 an increase of 2.75% on NJC pay point 1.
- Completion of the outstanding work of the joint Term -Time Only review group.
The employer has also agreed to joint discussions on the following::
- A national minimum agreement on homeworking policies for all Councils.
- An agreement on a best practice national programme of mental health support for all local authorities and school staff.
- A joint review of the provisions in the Green Book for maternity/paternity/shared parental/adoption leave.
GMB is dismayed at this woeful offer as it is only a 0.25% increase on the initial offer of 1.5%, which was unanimously rejected by the Joint Trade Unions. Local Government and School workers deserve a decent and fair pay rise. There needs to be a genuine process of economic recovery from COVID 19 and it cannot be achieved through more public sector austerity measures. Staff morale within Local Government and Schools is already at an all-time low, and it is not acceptable to continue expecting our members to do more for less.
GMB national Local Government and Schools Committee representatives are recommending members vote to REJECT the offer. However, as a democratic Trade Union, GMB believe it is for our members to decide whether the offer is accepted or rejected. You can access FAQ’s about the pay offer and consultation ballot process by clicking here.
Consulting with members about their pay is one of the most important roles of GMB. and so we are asking you to cast your vote. You will receive an email with a link to an e-ballot. Please remember that this link is unique to you and should not be forwarded onto others to use, otherwise it will spoil your vote.
GMB London will also be arranging workplace visits to allow members to vote in person. If arrangements are made for a ballot to be held in your workplace, you will receive details of the date and time of this.
What happens next is up to you. We need all our members to have their say on pay before the closing date of the ballot which is 4th October at midday.
Posted: 24th August 2021