Links with other public service pay disputes

In Local Government branches have voted to reject the 2% pay claim and will now vote in a strike ballot.When voting UNISON asked members to consider the following (from www.unison.org.uk):

"Say no to 2%. Inflation is running at 4.3% and earnings across the economy are rising by 3.6% - the cost of living is currently increasing by 4.5%- increases in the cost of housing, fuel and energy, council tax and childcare are even higher- pay across the economy is rising by 3.6%UNISON is co-ordinating our pay campaign with Local Government health and other service groups and with other public sector unions. If you vote to reject the offer you must be prepared to take part in substantial industrial action to improve it, including "all out" strike action."Clearly branches/members thought this is unacceptable and will now ballot to go on strike action.In Health they have now made an 'improved offer' (again from our website) The offer:"Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will get the full 2.5% increase recommended by the pay review body immediately, backdated to 1 April this year.The award will still be staged in England, with staff getting 1.5% payable from 1 April and the remaining 1% from 1 November."more money for the lowest paid. From 1 November there will be a £400 flat rate increase for those on Bands 1 and 2. Those on Bands 3 and 4 will receive an additional £38 as well as the 2.5%. This will be payable in all 4 UK countries; in England only, there will be additional money for staff training targeted directly at those non-clinical staff who often lose out when training budgets are cut; also in England only, there will be £38 paid to staff on Bands 5, 6, 7 and 8(a) who are required to register to practice – this money is a contribution to their professional fees."Health members will now be balloted on whether or not to accept this offer.Unison are not making a recomendation it is for you to make your own minds up. The website states that this is the best offer we can get through negotiations.SO as in Local Government if you reject it you will have tp be prepared to go on strike.There is a blog that has been set up by some nhsworkers that are advocating members reject this offer and that can be found here www.nhsworker.blogspot.comLets stand firm together and show the government that 2 or 2.5% (as our health conference has already said!) is not acceptable.
MarshaJane Thompson (London)
National Community and Voluntary Sector Committee Unison
http://www.unionfutures.blogspot.com/