Would you strike?

[Coco]

I think asking for anything above the annual rate of inflation is unreasonable at the moment.

 

Wage negotiations used to be based around the RPI. That's running over 5% at the moment.

 

Take your pick of estimates of 'real' inflation too. The published data from the Government include TVs, computers etc where prices nearly always fall. That is because quality improvements are treated as price falls. On an 'essentials' basis - food, shelter, transport - inflation is clearly in double digit territory. Alternatively look at the value of Sterling - down 15% in the last year against the Euro. That's a measure of inflation too. As is the gold price in Sterling - up about 30% in a year.

 

This is the problem when the Government loses control of inflation.

[Roy Barry]

If you don't mind my asking, are you a member of the union?

 

I'm not in the union at present. I was previously in the union at my previous employer (in the private sector).

[Guest S.U.S.S.]

Why deal with the Devil? Evil auld bitch [mod edit]

 

Out of order.

[Ulysses]

I'm not in the union at present. I was previously in the union at my previous employer (in the private sector).

 

Then your problem is not "the union" as such.

 

You're not a member, you didn't take part in the ballot, and you didn't vote to take part in a strike. As far as I'm concerned - and I've been the national president of two unions - you can walk past the picket line and go to work with a clear conscience.

 

Your problem, if I may say so, is that you feel under social pressure not to fall out with or be isolated by the people who are in the union and who will be on the picket line. That's one I can't answer. They're as entitled to their view as you are to yours. They've taken a tough decision - believe me, deciding to strike is not an easy decision - and they will be angry if people undermine that by going in to work.

 

In that sense, your problem is "the people at work" rather than "the union". But that's what can happen when you take a principled individual stand. Your conscience is and should be clear, but I can't say how people will react and unfortunately they may well react badly. If you are going to go in, explain to the people around you why you're doing so and why you think it's the right thing to do. Hopefully they'll respect that - but if they can't then there's very little you can do about it, unfortunately.

 

Best of luck to you.

[JKBMod 10]

Guys, we appreciate that Thatcher's legacy will cause emotional responses from both sides but please do not wish death upon anyone on this forum. Infractions will be given out if this continues.

 

mod 10.

[upthehill]

Guys, we appreciate that Thatcher's legacy will cause emotional responses from both sides but please do not wish death upon anyone on this forum. Infractions will be given out if this continues.

 

mod 10.

 

Thank you.

[northfieldhearts]

Strikes & Unions are a total waste of time. We had a strike last year - our pay deal was held up for 6 months due to the union and in the end the Management just went ahead and implemented the original pay deal. What a total waste of time.

[Whitley Jambo]

In my experience, most of the council's staff could go on strike and no-one would even notice!

 

So you wouldnt notice that all the schools are shut, no meals on wheels for your Granny, no refuse collections or street sweeping, no environmental health officers visiting restaurants, no parking control, no building planning control, no residential care for the elderly etc etc etc.

Can I come and live where you do, it must be lovely.

[jamboinglasgow]

Unions can provide a valuable service for employees, and are invaluable in protecting them from employer abuse, but unfortunately many in this country still believe the worker reigns supreme and the employer owes them a living. The unions, again unfortunately, propagate this belief for their own benefit and this betrays their true mission of ensuring employees get a fair deal.

 

In a faltering economy, any pay rise of any kind is a bonus. And the economy is faltering badly. Anyone capable of looking at the bigger picture can see this. Therefore, any talk of pay rises above inflation is irrelevant. There are going to be so many people laid off from private industry this year, that government employees should take the fact that they are virtually un-fireable as their pay rise, and the 2% as a bonus.

 

To put it simply: 2% may be under inflation, but it's a hell of a lot more than being paid nothing because you were fired.

 

I agree with you, while I consider myself to be just right of center I still think that trade unions are important in this day and age. It is important to protect workers from unfair employers and unfair wages however what an unfair wage is the problem. To me it is severly below what they should earn. So for example the employers who would top up waiters mininum wage with their tips so as to save money was quite rightly fought by the union and I applaud them for that.

 

However the issue of the moment is the economy is slowing down while inflation is increasing. Now the problem is that wages push up inflation. So take for example a union called for 6% rise in inflation (2% over inflation levels) and this was copied through all the public sector, then the following year inflation would most likely be 6% which the union would call for a greater than 6% wage rise. This upward spiral would cause greater and greater inflation. Now I am not saying workers dont deserve a pay rise and that it shouldn't be around inflation but all I am saying is dont be amazed when more money is demanded that the inflation has gone up with it.

 

As for the anger towards Maggie and her union reforms, first of all I think it was a much needed reform that had to happen. Trade union leaders were crippling industry in the country more often to make political points then for the benefit of the workers. I think the workers suffered most from these periods as they were hit on both sides. Though its interesting to note that (i think it was) 10 years earlier that Labour were about to do the same reforms on the country but changed mind last minute.

[Whitley Jambo]

I think asking for anything above the annual rate of inflation is unreasonable at the moment.

 

But the offer from the employers is 2.5% when inflation is at 4.4% and rising. Is that fair ? Perhaps if they offered inflation then members would accept it.

[Whitley Jambo]

I agree with you, while I consider myself to be just right of center I still think that trade unions are important in this day and age. It is important to protect workers from unfair employers and unfair wages however what an unfair wage is the problem. To me it is severly below what they should earn. So for example the employers who would top up waiters mininum wage with their tips so as to save money was quite rightly fought by the union and I applaud them for that.

 

However the issue of the moment is the economy is slowing down while inflation is increasing. Now the problem is that wages push up inflation. So take for example a union called for 6% rise in inflation (2% over inflation levels) and this was copied through all the public sector, then the following year inflation would most likely be 6% which the union would call for a greater than 6% wage rise. This upward spiral would cause greater and greater inflation. Now I am not saying workers dont deserve a pay rise and that it shouldn't be around inflation but all I am saying is dont be amazed when more money is demanded that the inflation has gone up with it.

 

As for the anger towards Maggie and her union reforms, first of all I think it was a much needed reform that had to happen. Trade union leaders were crippling industry in the country more often to make political points then for the benefit of the workers. I think the workers suffered most from these periods as they were hit on both sides. Though its interesting to note that (i think it was) 10 years earlier that Labour were about to do the same reforms on the country but changed mind last minute.

 

Sorry but that is total nonesense. Public Sector workers have always ( wrongly ) been blamed for being the cause of inflation while being asked to accept lower than inflation wage rises year after year. Whenever there is a financial downturn in the economy its the public sector worker that has to shoulder the burden. When was there ever an inflation busting wage rise for local authority workers- NEVER . The lowest grades in Local Govt are now officialy the lowest paid Public Service workers in the country yet they are being asked to take what amounts to a wage CUT to "help the economy ". Some economics ! Lets get the lowest paid rather than the highest paid to solve our financial crisis by making them even poorer.

[Whitley Jambo]

I've just been told there is to be a strike at my work (part of the council) next Wednesday.

 

The strike is over the new pay offer. The current offer is 2.5% and I believe the unions are asking for 6%. Obviously with inflation now at 4.4% the 2.5% is going to be a pay cut in real terms.

 

There is a strong union presence at my work and I imagine turning up and crossing the picket line would not be looked on favourably.

 

Even though I understand the pay rise wouldn't really be a pay rise at all and some of my co-workers would see it as a break from solidarity, I can't see myself taking part in the strike.

 

I can't see how the public sector can realistically get an above inflation pay rise given that over 25% of the workforce in Scotland are employed in the public sector. The unions go on about people earning less and less each year but nobody owes you a living - people could always leave and find a job elsewhere. If anything the lower pay in the public sector (if it is lower) and lack of bonuses/sharesaves etc. need to be traded against flexible working arrangements, good pension plans and early retirement.

 

I don't mean low pay rises are acceptable but just the unions have to be realistic about pay rises and there are probably better ways to achieve something than striking all the time .

 

Would you strike?

 

Tell me about the "better ways to achieve something " and also, when was the last time there was a strike over pay by local authority workers ? When would you consider it appropriate to strike ?

[cosanostra]

But the offer from the employers is 2.5% when inflation is at 4.4% and rising. Is that fair ? Perhaps if they offered inflation then members would accept it.

 

That's what i was getting at Whitley.

[Whitley Jambo]

That's what i was getting at Whitley.

 

Well lets hope the employers recognise their offer is unfair and return to the negotiating table with a sensible offer but isnt it a shame that workers, their families and the general public have to suffer in order to prove their point.

[Craig_]

So you wouldnt notice that all the schools are shut, no meals on wheels for your Granny, no refuse collections or street sweeping, no environmental health officers visiting restaurants, no parking control, no building planning control, no residential care for the elderly etc etc etc.

Can I come and live where you do, it must be lovely.

 

Whoa! Easy there Whitey! I said most of the council's staff, not all of them!

 

Besides, it's been a while since my Granny ate a meal on wheels!

[Scallywag]

Well I will be out on strike. In my fifteen or so years working with a local authority I have been glad to have union support on a number of occassions.

[Whitley Jambo]

Whoa! Easy there Whitey! I said most of the council's staff, not all of them!

 

Besides, it's been a while since my Granny ate a meal on wheels!

 

Your comments are offensive to "most" of the 10,000 very hard working public servants doing many pretty nasty jobs for poor pay that you seem to take for granted. Perhaps you should think before you post.

[Boris]

Some economics ! Lets get the lowest paid rather than the highest paid to solve our financial crisis by making them even poorer.

 

Well said Sir!

 

[Roy Barry]

Then your problem is not "the union" as such.

 

You're not a member, you didn't take part in the ballot, and you didn't vote to take part in a strike. As far as I'm concerned - and I've been the national president of two unions - you can walk past the picket line and go to work with a clear conscience.

 

Your problem, if I may say so, is that you feel under social pressure not to fall out with or be isolated by the people who are in the union and who will be on the picket line. That's one I can't answer. They're as entitled to their view as you are to yours. They've taken a tough decision - believe me, deciding to strike is not an easy decision - and they will be angry if people undermine that by going in to work.

 

In that sense, your problem is "the people at work" rather than "the union". But that's what can happen when you take a principled individual stand. Your conscience is and should be clear, but I can't say how people will react and unfortunately they may well react badly. If you are going to go in, explain to the people around you why you're doing so and why you think it's the right thing to do. Hopefully they'll respect that - but if they can't then there's very little you can do about it, unfortunately.

 

Best of luck to you.

 

I agree with what you say and in an ideal situation everyone would respect each others decisions but in reality that's probably not going to happen.

 

Is it being selfish to choose not to strike?

[Craig_]

Your comments are offensive to "most" of the 10,000 very hard working public servants doing many pretty nasty jobs for poor pay that you seem to take for granted. Perhaps you should think before you post.

 

!!!

 

Take for granted? Nonsense. Explain to me how the public sector seems to constantly mushroom in size, yet public services are being squeezed all the time?

 

As for nasty jobs, try working in the private sector where you don't have the safety net of guaranteed job security, long holidays, cushy pension etc...

[Everybody loves Baz]

I agree with what you say and in an ideal situation everyone would respect each others decisions but in reality that's probably not going to happen.

 

Is it being selfish to choose not to strike?

 

 

Well i hope you're happy when we get shafted, For what i can gather by talking with people at work today, The 2.5% is over 3 years and your Attendance bonus (roughly about 15% of your wage?) will be taken away, plus your monday holidays taken away, ( although you'll bee given a week off when they decide).

 

So all in all if these are the terms you've been told about ( and you're happy about it) don't strike.

 

P.s If you work at stobhill depot you wont get in as the gates are being padlocked, That i got told by the Union Rep.

[Everybody loves Baz]

!!!

 

Take for granted? Nonsense. Explain to me how the public sector seems to constantly mushroom in size, yet public services are being squeezed all the time?

 

As for nasty jobs, try working in the private sector where you don't have the safety net of guaranteed job security, long holidays, cushy pension etc...

 

 

 

What a load of pish !

 

What security ? 28 holidays a year ? and cushy pension? aye right , very funny......not.

 

 

Obviously you're just going by what you it's like being employed by the council.

[Roy Barry]

Tell me about the "better ways to achieve something " and also, when was the last time there was a strike over pay by local authority workers ? When would you consider it appropriate to strike ?

 

I've not worked in my current position that long (just over 2 years). I don't think there have been any strikes over pay in that time but there were I believe 2 strikes over the Rule 85 pension benefits?

 

As for a better way to achieve something - I don't know for sure but the original demands seem a bit much.

 

Scottish Socialist Party member Stephen Smellie is on the UNISON strike committee and attends the joint union pay campaign group.

 

He told the Voice about the background to workers voting overwhelmingly to strike.

"The unions' claim was lodged before Christmas (the settlement date is 1st April 2008) for 5% or ?1,000 (whichever was the greatest), additional annual leave of 3 days and an extra public holiday.

"The employers' (CoSLA) initial offers were rejected and a final offer was made of 2.5% each year for 3 years. This was rejected by the 3 unions and this was confirmed in a joint consultation with members. In brief it was rejected because it was over 3 years, 2.5% was too low and the unions wish to see a weighting towards the lowest paid."

 

What about the introduction of performance related pay?

There are a good number of people i work with who don't do a good job either through lack of effort or inability to do the job.

Do they deserve to get the same pay rise?

[Craig_]

What a load of pish !

 

What security ? 28 holidays a year ? and cushy pension? aye right , very funny......not.

 

 

Obviously you're just going by what you it's like being employed by the council.

 

Tell me, are you at work just now?

[suicidalpostie]

Aye, but he's not taking the extra holidays, oh sorry, I mean striking!

 

Of course theres a time and place for striking, but when the same place is striking every now and again over menial things it kind of gets ignored.

 

EVERYBODY OUT , NO SOUP IN THE CANTEEN TODAY.

 

bollocks you've been listening to to many stories

if you think pay isnt worth striking over with the

state of whats going on just now i.e credit crunch

and cost of living then you must have plenty money

[Whitley Jambo]

!!!

 

Take for granted? Nonsense. Explain to me how the public sector seems to constantly mushroom in size, yet public services are being squeezed all the time?

 

As for nasty jobs, try working in the private sector where you don't have the safety net of guaranteed job security, long holidays, cushy pension etc...

 

Ah its the Sun readers guide to Public Services is it ? I have not said anything about Private Sector workers and respect them and the jobs they do. the FACTS are that there are less local authority workers now than there were 10 or even 5 years ago. In FACT there have been millions of pounds of savings to the public budget by REDUNDANCIES ( at the legal minimumn ) I TAKE THE SUBJECT SERIOUSLY because my wife is one of those local authority workers that you wouldnt miss and I know how lousy her pay is and how dedicated she is to helping many elderly folk who rely on her. She is only one of an army of unsung heoines who could do with a bit support from the public rather than being told that they wouldnt be missed.

[Everybody loves Baz]

Tell me, are you at work just now?

 

 

No i wasn't, i'm a refuse collector meant to start at 7.30an ( i start at 7am) i don't have a break (my choice) therefor i can finish before my time (3.3opm) and go and pick up my duaghter from nursery. It's an agreement i have with the management.

 

 

Is that o.k by you ??

[Craig_]

No i wasn't, i'm a refuse collector meant to start at 7.30an ( i start at 7am) i don't have a break (my choice) therefor i can finish before my time (3.3opm) and go and pick up my duaghter from nursery. It's an agreement i have with the management.

 

 

Is that o.k by you ??

 

Fair do's mate. Was supposed to be a wind-up, but seems to have hit a few raw nerves! Apologies...

[Whitley Jambo]

I've not worked in my current position that long (just over 2 years). I don't think there have been any strikes over pay in that time but there were I believe 2 strikes over the Rule 85 pension benefits?

 

As for a better way to achieve something - I don't know for sure but the original demands seem a bit much.

 

 

 

What about the introduction of performance related pay?

There are a good number of people i work with who don't do a good job either through lack of effort or inability to do the job.

Do they deserve to get the same pay rise?

 

So when you say " always on strike " you mean 3 days over the past two years. By the way, I think it was one day over pension rights and it achieved a great victory which I presume you, as a local authority employee will benefit from come retirement. Its nieve to believe that you are one of very few employees who would be ok if performence related pay was introduced. You may bellieve it but it may be that your colleagues feel exactly the same about you. You are giving the right to your manager to decide ( but perhaps you have a cosy relationship) If folk around you are not performing perhaps thats about getting better managers , but thats another story.

In any case, are you seriously advocating that the unions should seek the introduction of PRP on behalf of their members ? Dont stand for election as a steward on that basis ( but then you sound like one of those who expect others to do the work on your behalf without contributing so I dont suppose you will ever be in that position.)

[Whitley Jambo]

Fair do's mate. Was supposed to be a wind-up, but seems to have hit a few raw nerves! Apologies...

 

keep it up. I predict you will be taking your own garbage to the tip this week.

[Everybody loves Baz]

Fair do's mate. Was supposed to be a wind-up, but seems to have hit a few raw nerves! Apologies...

 

 

Not a problem mate, just seems to me a fair few people commenting on something they know nothing about.

 

By the way to everyone , not just the o.p. Can you be given your 90 days notice without actually seeing the revised contract ? i.e not knowing what you're getting. As i think that's what happened to me?

[Craig_]

keep it up. I predict you will be taking your own garbage to the tip this week.

 

Wasn't apologising to you. Still smarting over being called a Sun reader!

[Whitley Jambo]

Wasn't apologising to you. Still smarting over being called a Sun reader!

 

ha ha , that is my ultimate insult.

[Bigsmak]

If all the gov't workers get an above inflation pay rise, where is the extra money coming from for this?

 

Does everyone just get taxed more effectively putting prices up?

[systemx]

Ah its the Sun readers guide to Public Services is it ? I have not said anything about Private Sector workers and respect them and the jobs they do. the FACTS are that there are less local authority workers now than there were 10 or even 5 years ago. In FACT there have been millions of pounds of savings to the public budget by REDUNDANCIES ( at the legal minimumn ) I TAKE THE SUBJECT SERIOUSLY because my wife is one of those local authority workers that you wouldnt miss and I know how lousy her pay is and how dedicated she is to helping many elderly folk who rely on her. She is only one of an army of unsung heoines who could do with a bit support from the public rather than being told that they wouldnt be missed.

 

Well said mate.Likewise with my wife who told her fellow workers today that she for one couldnt ever see herself as a scab.Get a bit of backbone Mr.Barry and join your colleagues fighting for a decent living.

[Whitley Jambo]

If all the gov't workers get an above inflation pay rise, where is the extra money coming from for this?

 

Does everyone just get taxed more effectively putting prices up?

 

No need for "extra " money to be found. Every Council in Scotland has millions in reserve ie sitting in a bank account earning interest. Savings made over the past 3 years alone in Local Govt amounts to ?3 billion. Lets give some to the workers who made those savings ( and have picked up all the extra work left by the thousands made redundant ) rather than offer a wage cut for this year, next year and the year after. When will people realise that if you want quality services you have to have a well paid, well trained, motivated staff. Its just not good business to try to get services on the cheap by asking poorly paid workers to take wage cuts all the time.

[cosanostra]

No need for "extra " money to be found. Every Council in Scotland has millions in reserve ie sitting in a bank account earning interest. Savings made over the past 3 years alone in Local Govt amounts to ?3 billion. Lets give some to the workers who made those savings ( and have picked up all the extra work left by the thousands made redundant ) rather than offer a wage cut for this year, next year and the year after. When will people realise that if you want quality services you have to have a well paid, well trained, motivated staff. Its just not good business to try to get services on the cheap by asking poorly paid workers to take wage cuts all the time.

 

Even Aberdeen?

[Whitley Jambo]

Even Aberdeen?

 

Yes, lets advocate wage cuts for the poor sods working in Aberdeen because their Chief Exec has mismanaged their budget ( allegedly )

Seriously, the general point is that there is no reason to increase anyones taxes to pay a decent wage, thats just another excuse thats pulled out of the hat every year to justify pay CUTS.

[Coco]

Yes, lets advocate wage cuts for the poor sods working in Aberdeen because their Chief Exec has mismanaged their budget ( allegedly )

Seriously, the general point is that there is no reason to increase anyones taxes to pay a decent wage, thats just another excuse thats pulled out of the hat every year to justify pay CUTS.

 

The size of Council spending in Scotland has absolutely exploded in the past 10 years.

 

I am not sure that many people are aware of just how little of Council spending is funded by Council Tax.

 

For the quality of services received, the size of Council spending is unbelievably large. Time for some belt tightening. I would not do it by restricting below inflation wage settlements for the poorest paid, but by shelving vast numbers of bureaucrats and vanity projects.

[Whitley Jambo]

The size of Council spending in Scotland has absolutely exploded in the past 10 years.

 

I am not sure that many people are aware of just how little of Council spending is funded by Council Tax.

 

For the quality of services received, the size of Council spending is unbelievably large. Time for some belt tightening. I would not do it by restricting below inflation wage settlements for the poorest paid, but by shelving vast numbers of bureaucrats and vanity projects.

 

I cant remember a time when politicians were not advocating greater "efficiency" in local govt and seeking cut backs on spending. Redundancies have soared in the past few years at all levels and its only through the dedication of remaining staff that services continue to function. But thats all another story and a bit off topic from the original post.. At least we agree that the workers should get a decent wage rise and are entitled to strike to get one !

[ardwick1888]

The ridiculous protectionist dogma spouted by the unions was instrumental in the decimation of traditional industries like steel, coal mining and ship building. Baroness Thatcher knew the British economy had to change significantly to survive and the unions played right into her hands with their confrontational attitude and unwillingness to change.

 

Talk about turkeys voting for Christmas.....

Long time dead.

[footieman]

Spot the shop stewards on this thread.....

 

 

 

 

[Era Macaroons]

bollocks you've been listening to to many stories

if you think pay isnt worth striking over with the

state of whats going on just now i.e credit crunch

and cost of living then you must have plenty money

 

Its you that tells me the stories

 

I agree pay IS worth striking over....but its not the solution to our current predicament....you cant just pay every one more dosh.

 

 

WHAT DO WE WANT

 

MORE MONEY

 

WHEN DO WE WANT IT

 

NOW!

[Whitley Jambo]

Its you that tells me the stories

 

I agree pay IS worth striking over....but its not the solution to our current predicament....you cant just pay every one more dosh.

 

 

WHAT DO WE WANT

 

MORE MONEY

 

WHEN DO WE WANT IT

 

NOW!

 

Whether local authority workers get an inflation level pay rise or not will not make one iota of difference to the " credit crunch " Does anyone think the multi-national gas/electricity/oil companies or the super rich are sitting about worrying whether to take more of the cream or tighten their belts to solve world economic downturn ? Home Helps, Refuse Collectors, Care Assistants, Classroom Assistants, Nursery Nurses, Street Sweepers need our support not lessons in economics.

[Coco]

Whether local authority workers get an inflation level pay rise or not will not make one iota of difference to the " credit crunch " Does anyone think the multi-national gas/electricity/oil companies or the super rich are sitting about worrying whether to take more of the cream or tighten their belts to solve world economic downturn ? Home Helps, Refuse Collectors, Care Assistants, Classroom Assistants, Nursery Nurses, Street Sweepers need our support not lessons in economics.

 

Completely agree.

 

But these are the sorts of people who are facing real pay cuts because there has been so much wasted elsewhere. In Edinburgh - how many millions on St Andrew Square, the hole in the ground at the Usher Hall, putting in congestion creation measures and the ultimate white elephant tram scheme to the so-called Waterfront development (which in today's EN is under huge financial pressure).

 

There are cut backs all over the city because of the open ended liability on the tram line.

 

If you pay the administrative guy who is the head of Lothian Buses ?250k plus nice perks and where the package has gone up by 10% this year - why else would there be nothing available for home helps etc?

 

Time to cut the size and scope of the Council enormously. End the social engineering nonsense.

[Whitley Jambo]

Completely agree.

 

But these are the sorts of people who are facing real pay cuts because there has been so much wasted elsewhere. In Edinburgh - how many millions on St Andrew Square, the hole in the ground at the Usher Hall, putting in congestion creation measures and the ultimate white elephant tram scheme to the so-called Waterfront development (which in today's EN is under huge financial pressure).

 

There are cut backs all over the city because of the open ended liability on the tram line.

 

If you pay the administrative guy who is the head of Lothian Buses ?250k plus nice perks and where the package has gone up by 10% this year - why else would there be nothing available for home helps etc?

 

Time to cut the size and scope of the Council enormously. End the social engineering nonsense.

 

I dont live in Edinburgh anymore but its murder getting around when I visit so you have my sympathy. I guess I get angry with people making the mistake of equating those "white elephant " schemes with the "Coonsil " and forgetting about all the key frontline services being delivered by ordinary folk in very difficult circumstances upon which we all rely. Baby and bathwater comes to mind. There are tremendous differences between Councils as well and its hard to see which offer true value for money and which dont . However, the workers are a constant wherever you are and so is the shabby treatment they get.

[Mark_Mywords]

Anybody know if this strike is going to close any Schools within Edinburgh next Wednesday?

 

 

Thanks in advance.

[Ribble]

TBH the guy's in the Council are lucky, I currently work for the NHS and have just had the results of our Pay Review, my post was dropped down a banding so now I am on a pay freeze until the band below surpasses my current salary! We also were offered 2.5% which was accepted! All of this after my department delivered savings of ?100m over the last 3 years !

[Whitley Jambo]

TBH the guy's in the Council are lucky, I currently work for the NHS and have just had the results of our Pay Review, my post was dropped down a banding so now I am on a pay freeze until the band below surpasses my current salary! We also were offered 2.5% which was accepted! All of this after my department delivered savings of ?100m over the last 3 years !

 

Many staff in Local authoritys in exactly the same boat due to Single Status. Bottom grades in Local Authoritys are considerably less than comparable grades in NHS. NHS offer was weighted towards bottom grades so many get more than 2.5 %( 2.75% in year one ) Three year deal gives some as much as 10.6 %over the period. Also have a reopener clause in case inflation goes crazy ( predict it will be envoked.) So I am afraid LA workers dont have as good a deal but sympathise with NHS workers in very similar position.

[Whitley Jambo]

Anybody know if this strike is going to close any Schools within Edinburgh next Wednesday?

 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

All of them I would presume. No cleaners, school meals, janitors, classroom assistants, nursery nurses. technicians, etc. Plan for it.